India Makes Shocking Decision To Axe Star All-Rounder; Veteran Spinner Returns; Surprise Choice For Vice-Captain

hardik pandya out, r ashwin in; new vice-captain appointed

India and New Zealand will clash in a crucial match of the 2023 World Cup, with both teams aiming to secure the first place in the points table. They have been unbeaten in their four matches so far. NZ have an edge over India in terms of NRR and are currently at the top. India are close behind at the second spot.

Both India and New Zealand have to deal with the absence of a key player each. Pandya injured his ankle while bowling to Bangladesh and did not join the team in Dharamsala. He will meet them before the match against England in Lucknow.

New Zealand’s captain, Williamson, is also out of action. He broke his thumb and will miss several matches. The Black Caps have only 14 players as Williamson is still part of the squad. He will travel with them throughout the tournament.

TIMING :

The big match will take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium at 2:00 PM IST. India are preparing for the crucial game, and here we will see who are the probable players for India in the game.

OPENERS :

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will remain the openers for India. They have been outstanding in the World Cup and contributed a lot to India's wins. Rohit has been aggressive and his fast innings have helped the Men in Blue. His strike-rate has allowed the following batsmen to play freely. Rohit will be crucial for India's chase.

MIDDLE-ORDER :

Kohli hit a hundred not out against Bangladesh and will aim to keep his form against New Zealand. Iyer and Rahul will come after Kohli. Rahul might be the vice-captain as Pandya is not there.

ALL-ROUNDERS :

Thakur and Jadeja will be the all-rounders in the last XI. India have no need to alter this area. Jadeja did very well on the field vs Bangladesh.

BOWLERS :

Ashwin seems ready to return in the XI. The spinners have done very well in Dharamsala and India may pick Ashwin. Shami is another choice but India may prefer Ashwin in Dharamsala. Bumrah and Siraj will be the pacers, with Shardul. Kuldeep will be the main spinner.

India's likely playing XI against New Zealand:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj