India Likely Playing XI for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 vs New Zealand: Check Predicted Indian 11 for IND vs NZ Match in Dharamsala
India and New Zealand are in for a massive contest in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 22. Both teams are undefeated so and for while this streak would end for one side, the other would have a lot of momentum post this match.
India would undoubtedly face its toughest challenge in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 when they lock horns with New Zealand on October 22. It would be a pretty interesting contest for a couple of reasons--both teams are the only undefeated ones in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, having notched up four wins apiece. Secondly, these two sides have had a bit of rivalry, especially in ICC events with their last meeting in the ODI World Cup ending in a heartbreaking semifinal loss for India in 2019. With both teams in red-hot form, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is set to witness a cracker of a contest on October 22. India at ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Get Indian Cricket Team’s Upcoming Matches Schedule, Results and Latest CWC Points Table Position on Team Standings.
India have a couple of injury concerns going ahead into this match. Rohit Sharma has opted to play an unchanged team in every match since the one against Afghanistan and that will change tomorrow, with no Hardik Pandya around. The ace all-rounder suffered an ankle injury and ruled out of this match. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, both of whom are his potential replacements, have also suffered injury scares. While Kishan was stung by a honeybee and was reportedly in serious pain, Suryakumar sustained a blow to his wrist and walked out of practice subsequently. So how will India's playing XI against New Zealand look like? ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table Updated
Top Order: The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill would be undisturbed with both being amongst the runs. While Rohit is among the top run-getters of the tournament, Gill scored his first World Cup half-century in the last match and would be wager to convert it. With a sizzling century in the last match, Virat Kohli is all set to come in at three and carry on his good form.
Middle-Order: Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are India's confirmed to bat at number four and five respectively. The speculation would begin over Hardik Pandya's place. With Pandya not around, India might be tempted to have either Ishan or Suryakumar to strengthen the batting. But with both having injury scares it remains to be seen if they are fit for selection. Another option is Ravichandran Ashwin who can also be pretty handy with the bat.
Lower-Order: Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur are likely to keep their spots in India's playing XI vs New Zealand. With the conditions in Dharamsala favouring pacers, Thakur would be an asset to have.
Bowlers: The bowling combination might also look a bit different. Should Team India decide to strengthen their fast bowling department in Pandya's absence, Mohammed Shami can be a good pick with his ability to swing the ball up front. Besides he also can give it a good tonk with the bat if need be.
India would be keen on avenging that loss to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semifinal with a solid show against England. New Zealand on the other hand, will be keen on maintaining their good form.
India's Likely XI vs New Zealand
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan/Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami/Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2023 09:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).