India and New Zealand are set to square off against each other in the ODI series, starting January 23. However, the issues are piling up for the Virat Kohli-led team as the ICC World Cup 2019 is fast approaching. Nonetheless, with the 5-match ODI series up for the grabs, both the Men in Blue and the Blackcaps would be striving to address them and begin on a winning note.

In the first match, the Indian team will be looking to address the playing XI issues prevalent currently. However, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan seem set to open the innings with Virat Kohli coming at the number 3. Shubman Gill could be a surprise pick at number 4, ticking off Ambati Rayudu from the list. MS Dhoni, Mohammed Shami & Others Practise Hard at Training Session Ahead of IND vs NZ, 1st ODI 2019 in Napier: View Pictures.

With MS Dhoni returning to his old form, the number 6 fight will be between Dinesh Karthik and Kedar Jadhav. Both Karthik and Jadhav have had an average series against Australia. It will be interesting to see if the duo is likely to keep a place in the side or will only one of them get a place.

Kuldeep Yadav had a decent couple of outings before Yuzvendra Chahal ran rampant on Australia in the last ODI. With Hardik Pandya out, and Ravindra Jadeja and Vijay Shankar into the mix as well, it will be exciting to see who among these four will fill the number 7 and 8 spots. India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2019, Napier Weather Report: Know What Forecast Has in Store for IND vs NZ Series Opener.

The fast bowling department picks up pretty much for itself. Virat Kohli would be tempted to pick Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed ahead of Mohammed Siraj.

India’s Likely XI Against NZ, 1st ODI 2019: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (vc), Virat Kohli (c), Shubman Gill, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Khaleel Ahmed.

Both India and New Zealand are coming off impressive wins over Australia and Sri Lanka respectively. As both sides are ready to take each other head-on, it will be exciting times for the fans ahead to see the top teams in the world cricket, giving their best on the field. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2019!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2019 01:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).