India is gearing up for a pivotal match against New Zealand as they hope to continue their momentum In the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 at the HPCA Stadium, dharamsala on October 22. The Men in Blue are riding high on confidence, having secured four consecutive victories over Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh respectively.
The same is the case for New Zealand, who are currently leading the World Cup 2023 points table with impressive wins against England, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Injury to Hardik Pandya
Entering this game, India faces a significant challenge. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during their match against Bangladesh. The Kiwis are without their captain Kane Williamson once again after he suffered an injury against Bangladesh.
India's opening partnership is expected to feature Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma, followed by a strong middle order of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul who have been in good form. But the temporarily vacant number six position sees a battle between Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan.
Both were victims of varied injuries a day before the match. Suryakumar got injured while facing throw-downs from specialist Raghu. He chose not to come out to bat after getting injured and was seen walking out with a strapped right wrist after the session.
Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan was stung by a honeybee on the back of his head while batting. The support staff was seen rubbing the affected area with iron.
Rohit Sharma has a strategic decision ahead. If he leans towards strengthing his batting line-up, Suryakumar Yadav might step in for Hardik. However, this could limit India's bowling arsenal. The other option is bringing in Ravichandran Ashwin, offering both batting prowess and off-spin skills.
Another potential line-up could see Suryakumar replacing Hardik and Mohammed Shami coming in for Shardul. Given dharamsala's pace-friendly conditions, this combination might be ideal.
For New Zealand, the opening is likely to be helmed by Devon Conway and Will Young, with Rachin Ravindra filling in for Williamson. Their middle order will comprise Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, and Glenn Phillips, with Mark Chapman at seven. Mitchell Santner, the tournament's top wicket-taker, is set to be their primary spin option, supported by a formidable pace attack.
This match promises to be a riveting contest, with the winner inching closer to a semi-final spot in the 2023 World Cup.
PREDICTED XIs
India
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C & WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
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