The Men in Blue are gearing up for their next ODI assignment against New Zealand which is slated to kick off from Friday (November 25). In absence of bigwigs like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan will be seen spearheading the Indian side.
Right before the first ODI between India and New Zealand, which will be played ODI at Eden Park in Auckland skipper Dhawan addressed a pre-match press conference and said that India will look to carry their T20I series' winning momentum in the three-match One-Day International against New Zealand.
“They have been a good side, a consistent one. They have got a great pace attack and we look forward to taking that challenge in these conditions and batting well. Boys did well in T20Is and we want to carry that momentum in ODIs,” said Dhawan in a press conference ahead of the match.
Dhawan also explained the imbroglio around Sanju Samson, who was seen warming bench in the T20I series against Kiwis, and said that it is for the player's bigger interest. He also said that he himself experienced this earlier in his career and everyone faces these situations.
“It is great for the team, because it has so many great players. Communication on part of coach and captain is the key in such a situation. Players get clarity that why they are not being played. When such transparency is there, players understand that this all is for a bigger interest, the interest of the team,” Dhawan about players having to wait long to get regular chances on the field.
This statement came when many fans on internet have voiced out criticism and anger after Sanju Samson did not get to feature in T20I series against the Kiwis.
On facing competition from KL Rahul in ODIs as an opener, Dhawan said that it gives him the hunger to keep performing well.
On motivating himself to play in ODIs, which is the only format he plays as of now, Dhawan said that he sees huge gaps between ODI series as a blessing.
“I get more off time and am able to stay more fresh and stronger. When I was playing all the formats, It was a lot of cricket. I make sure that I keep myself in that groove. When I enter the team, I make sure that I keep up with the pace of the team, otherwise, I will be left behind,” he added.
India recently crushed the home team New Zealand in the three-match T20I series 1-0. The opening T20I game was washed out due to rain. In the 2nd T20I, the men-in-blue won by 65 runs after defending a mammoth 191-run target. The IND vs NZ 3rd T20I was tied through the DLS method.
The three ODI games are scheduled to take place on November 25 (Friday), November 27 (Sunday), and November 30 (Wednesday).
India’s squad for New Zealand ODIs: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (VC and WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar and Umran Malik.
New Zealand Squad For ODIs: Kane Williamson (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Tim Southee
