Team India will host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series beginning on January 18 after completing a 3-0 sweep of the Sri Lankan series. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host the opening match.
Under Rohit Sharma’s direction, the Men in Blue will want to build on their success in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The hosts won most of their matches against their Asian rivals, especially the top order, who will be eager to get going in the New Zealand One-Day Internationals.
On the other hand, the Black Caps will be without their hero, Kane Williamson, who has decided not to participate in the series due to workload management. Having said that, visitors rank highest. 1st-ranked ODI team and possess some talented batters.
In light of this, let’s take a look at three batters who have a chance to impress in Wednesday’s first ODI in Hyderabad:
#3 Shubman Gill – India
Shubman Gill demonstrated his gratitude for the trust placed in him by winning the series against Sri Lanka. In Guwahati, Gill hit a well-made 60-ball-70 to kick off the series.
Although Gill’s quick start of 21 from 12 balls in Kolkata cost him the game, the 23-year-old ended the series with his second ODI century.
With 207 runs at an average of 69.00, Gill finished the series as the second-highest run-getter. The right-hander will attempt to extend his winning streak against the Kiwis.
#2 Tom Latham – New Zealander
Tom Latham enjoys playing Indian cricket. In 17 ODI innings, he averages 65.07 runs against the Men in Blue, hitting around 99.
With his variety of sweeps, the southpaw has hounded the Indian spinners for years at home and abroad.
In November, he played a match-winning, unbeaten 145 off 104 balls against India. He will undoubtedly want to continue where he left off.
In the event that Kane Williamson is unable to play, he will also take on the additional role of captain.
#1 Virat Kohli โ India
The most obvious choice from both teams, Virat Kohli has been performing admirably with the bat recently. The modern-day legend started his 2023 on an incredible note after scoring his 44th ODI century against Bangladesh last month.
In the three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, Kohli scored 283 runs at an impeccable average of 141.5 and a strike rate of 137.4.
The 34-year-old’s outstanding bat performance earned him the Player of the Series award, which came as no surprise.
In the first ODI on Wednesday, Kohli is expected to make an impact against the Kiwis.