New Zealand v India 2014: 5 players who India will need to perform

Yesterday, we looked at 5 of New Zealand’s biggest trump cards for the upcoming series against India. But Brendon McCullum and co. will not have an easy time against the number one ODI side in the world. Although India had a disappointing ODI series against South Africa, the Test series that followed was much better in terms of performance, and India have reasons to feel optimistic about the ODI series that lies ahead.

But, for that to happen, India will need their big players to perform. Here is a look at 5 players whom India will most rely on in the upcoming ODI series.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – The Leader

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Captain. Leader. And now very close to legendary status. Dhoni is the complete package as far as ODI batting is concerned. Dhoni’s intelligence while building an ODI innings is his biggest strength. He backs himself, and keeps biding his time till the end before launching a flurry of big hits.

Apart from his batting, Dhoni’s wicket-keeping is a very underestimated facet of his game. Dhoni seldom drops a catch or misses a stumping, and is not frightened to stand up to the medium pacers as well. Add to this, the fact that he is captain, and there is the complete package. India will need Dhoni to be at his best to marshal the middle order.