Ind vs NZ 2016: Predicted XI for the 3rd Test
The Indian Cricket Team have had a very successful series so far against the Kiwis, having comfortably won both the Tests so far by large margins. The batting, bowling, and fielding departments have clicked as the team, led by Virat Kohli were clinical in their performances.
The team has also had its fair share of adversity to deal with. Prior to the first Test, India’s most experienced pacer Ishant Sharma was ruled out after contracting Chikungunya. They soldiered on in the first Test without him.
Hope was high as India went with a new opening combination at the top, with KL Rahul joining Murali Vijay. The pair looked to dominate from the very first ball and had an instant connection. Disaster struck for the Indians as KL Rahul was ruled out after the first Test with a hamstring injury. Shikhar Dhawan was then gifted a chance in the second Test but picked up a thumb injury after facing up to a barrage from Trent Boult.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was instrumental for India as he picked up a five-for in the first innings in Kolkata, but yesterday, news emerged that he too had picked up an injury and was ruled out with a side strain.
#1 Murali Vijay
India’s rock at the top. Murali Vijay’s importance in the Test squad cannot be understated. Generally starts his innings in a very patient manner, displaying a stern refusal to play any shots to deliveries wide outside off. As his knock progresses, he does play a number of cover drives and flicks to midwicket, constituting a number of his runs scored.
He was in exceptional form in Kanpur, where he scored two fifties and will feel he should have gone on to make a century. In Kolkata, he was outdone by Matt Henry, a very rare instance where a bowler completely dominated him.
Irrespective of that, he will expect to do well in Indore. He will have a new opening partner with him.