After surpassing an easy test against Sri-Lanka in 2023’s first ODI series, India are now gearing up for a tougher challenge in the form of ICC Test Champions New Zealand. This will be for the second time in a space of 3 months that the two teams are all set to lock horns.
Back in November 2022, both the teams squared off during India’s tour of New Zealand right after the ICC T20 World cup 2022. However, the 3-match ODI series could only see the 1st match go through which was won by the hosts but the remaining 2 One-Dayers got eventually abandoned due to terrible conditions.
The Blues will be hoping to put up a show when they welcome the Blackcaps later today at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. But ahead of the 1st ODI, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma confirmed during a press conference that Ishan Kishan is most likely to feature during this Bilateral series.
Rohit Sharma gave the green light to Ishan Kishan to play in the middle-order after getting a lot of criticism for dropping the left-handed batter against Sri-Lanka. Kishan scored a Double-century in his previous ODI match during their tour to Bangladesh last year but when he was benched, it raised many eyebrows.
Sharma also shed some light on Mohammad Siraj‘s improved bowling performances and credited him for the journey he has taken over the years. He also spoke about Siraj’s bettered line and length and complimented on his new ability to bowl an out-swinger.
🗣️🗣️'Siraj is an important player for India'
Hear what #TeamIndia captain @ImRo45 has to say on local lad @mdsirajofficial ahead of the first #INDvNZ ODI in Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/XoSSOplZ20
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 17, 2023
The 35-year-old also said that Siraj will possibly be a key member for India during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. And perhaps he stressed upon managing the work load of the players and it is an issue that the BCCI haven’t been able to curb properly.
India’s squad for the 3-ODI series against New Zealand – Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.
