As India seeks a series-sealing win against New Zealand in Saturday’s second ODI, they will expect more runs from the middle order.
The city will host its first ever international match, and a sold out crowd of over 60,000 people is expected to support the home team.
India should be concerned that New Zealand scored another 206 runs after being outed at 131 for six.
Although the visitors appeared to be on the verge of a stunning come-from-behind victory, Mohammed Siraj’s individual brilliance stopped them.
Shubman Gill had scored a stunning double century and singlehandedly brought India to a competitive total. Virat Kohli’s solo effort was what stood out in the last game against Sri Lanka.
Hardik Pandya will give the final flourish to the innings, despite not being at his most belligerent of late. After his Bangladesh double-century performance, Ishan Kishan will be able to accommodate in the middle-order.
Skipper Rohit Sharma looked great and made starts, but he has not been able convert. Saturday could be his day.
But there are bigger problems in the bowling area after the cover Michael Bracewell gave to the bowlers, who put an end to the Indian attack on Wednesday.
India brought Shardul Thakur to the team, at the cost of Umran Malik’s speedy batting skills. Management must decide quickly whether it wants a fast bowler or a specialist to bat and take wickets in the middle.
Siraj is now an all-phase bowler, but other bowlers need to step up. Bracewell took Mohammad Shami to the cleaners, but he was brilliant with his new ball. Hardik was also expensive.
Washington Sundar’s spin game was one to remember, while Kuldeep Yadav maintained his remarkable run. Although the team has the option to play Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep together, it has remained with its one-wrist spinner policy and one-finger spinner policy.
The series opener saw New Zealand’s never say die spirit come to the forefront. It will not be a common occurrence for Bracwell to be number seven and Mitchell Santner to be number eight, but they will help the team overcome a difficult situation.
Finn Allen made some bold moves, but he couldn’t make it big. New Zealand needs someone to anchor its innings in the absence Kane Williamson.
After being relentlessly attacked by Gill, the pace trio of Henry Shipley and Lockie Ferguson will be seeking more accuracy. It is yet to be seen if Ish Sodhi can regain his full fitness for the crucial game against Gill.
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner.
