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New Zealand vs India 2019: India's Predicted Playing XI for the second ODI

Team India
Team India

The Virat Kohli-led Indian Cricket team began their New Zealand tour on a bright note winning the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier by eight wickets (DLS method), having chased down the target in just 34.5 overs.

India had a memorable tour of Australia prior to this series, having won the four-match Test (2-1) and three-match ODI series (2-1), with the T20I series ending 1-1. Fresh from the first ever bilateral ODI series win over the current World champion, Australia in their own backyard, the Men in Blue were confident of replicating their success against the Kiwis.

The first of the five-match ODI series began at Napier on January 23rd (Wednesday) in which the Blackcaps skipper, Kane Williamson opted to bat first on winning the toss. Mitchell Santner, who missed out on the cricketing action for almost ten months returned to the ODI XI.

Batting first, New Zealand managed just 157 runs as they bundled out in 38 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was India's chief tormentor with the ball scalping four wickets. Kohli's men chased down the target quite comfortably- courtesy Shikhar Dhawan's 75* and skipper Kohli's 45 off 59 balls, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Meanwhile, the BCCI announced that Kohli will be rested for the last two ODIs with Rohit Sharma taking over the captaincy role, which suggests that the young batsman, Shubman Gill is likely to make his ODI debut in either of the ODIs.


Openers

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan

Rohit Sharma, who amassed 185 runs in the three-match ODI series against Australia recently, met with a rare failure at the top of the order during the first ODI at Napier. Sharma was dismissed for just 11 off 24 balls, in the second delivery of the tenth over off pacer Doug Bracewell. 'Hitman', who will lead the side for the last two ODIs and the T20Is, will be determined to come back stronger in the upcoming games and continue his dominance in the format which he cherishes.

Meanwhile, Rohit's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan returned to form (managed just 55 runs in three ODIs against Australia) amassing 75* off 103 balls that included six fours. 'Gabbar' looked unstoppable and was in full-flow smashing the hapless Kiwi bowlers all over the McLean Park. India will be hoping that Dhawan continues his good run in the upcoming games keeping in mind the 2019 World Cup.

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