Gill replaces Jaiswal at top; Shreyas Iyer at 4: India's strongest XI for New Zealand ODIs

India strongest XI for NZ ODIs [Source: AFP Photo]

With eight days left for the series against New Zealand, BCCI revealed the Indian ODI squad and have kept the core of the team intact from their last victory against South Africa. However, the team has made quite a few surprising changes, with Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped and Shreyas Iyer replacing him in the side.

Also, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been rested as Mohammed Siraj returns in the 50-overs setup. The upcoming ODIs provide a great chance for India to continue the momentum after the South Africa win, and with the final team selected, here is how the Indian side could lineup in the upcoming ODIs.

India's potential combination for New Zealand ODIs

Top order - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli

Gill replaces Jaiswal as opener

• Shubman Gill missed the last ODI series against South Africa due to a neck sprain, and in his place, Yashasvi Jaiswal got the chance to open the innings. The southpaw failed in the first two ODIs, but he smacked a century in the series decider as India clinched the ODIs.
• Jaiswal is picked for the New Zealand matches, but with Gill back in the setup, he will automatically replace the southpaw at the top alongside Rohit Sharma. The pair of Rohit-Gill has done well for India in the ODIs, and they will once again partner to inflict defeat on the Kiwis.
• The number 3 position is another easy choice as the man in form, Virat Kohli, will take command of that position against the Black Caps. Kohli scored two centuries against the Proteas and will be oozing with confidence.

Middle order - Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar

Iyer replaces Gaikwad at number 4

Shreyas Iyer is back in the team after a rib injury that he suffered during the Australian tour. Iyer’s place in the team depends on subject to clearance, but if he is given the fitness clearance by the NCA, Iyer will directly slot in at 4. Gaikwad scored a century against South Africa, but Iyer has a terrific record at number 4.

(Shreyas Iyer at 4 in ODIs)

• 1893 runs at an average of more than 50 define Iyer’s numbers at number 4. He has 13 fifties and 4 centuries to his name at the same position and is India’s best bet. Gaikwad’s removal is not the right decision, but with Iyer back in the side, there was no way the CSK captain was playing ahead of Iyer.
• KL Rahul has been used as a floater in the ODI setup, but his best position remains at number 5, and the keeper-batter should stick to the same spot.
• Moreover, with no Hardik Pandya in the team, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja will take care of the finishing duties.

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Bowlers - Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

Why Siraj over Prasidh in the playing XI?

• Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh automatically get into the playing XI as the trio has done well in the format and will be a sure-shot starter. However, the question arises, who will be the third pacer?
• There are two candidates for the same spot - Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, but purely on the basis of numbers and experience, Siraj should be picked in the XI.

(Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in ODIs)

• While both bowlers are genuine wicket-takers in ODIs, what separates the two is their average and their economy rate. Siraj boasts a better average (24.66) and also has a better economy rate (5.17). Against an explosive batting lineup of the Kiwis, India need a wicket-taker, and at the same time they need someone who can contain runs, and that bowler is Siraj.
• Moreover, with Bumrah missing, India lack an experience pacer in the setup and Siraj brings that experience on the table.

India's strongest XI for New Zealand ODIs

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

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