5 potential Game Changers of the India-New Zealand match

Will MS Dhoni lift the World T20 for the second time on 3rd April 2016? This question is in the minds of every Indian fan, be it ardent or casual, it has become a prominent point of ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ in the last couple of weeks in our country. With the team looks completely balanced and as potent as it has ever looked in this format mostly are backing India to replicate the triumph of 2007. The anticipation of this cricket frenzy nation will finally come to a halt as India takes on New Zealand in the 2016 World Cup opener at Nagpur. The format is such that match can take a You-turn within a couple of overs. Here are the Game changers expected to play a pivotal role in the encounter. 1. Virat Kohli KOLKATA, INDIA – MARCH 10: Virat Kohli of India looks on during the ICC World Twenty20 warm up match between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on March 10, 2016 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Jan Kruger-IDI/IDI via Getty Images) With his superlative batting effort he almost single-handedly took India to the World Cup final in the 2014 T-20 World Cup, he hasn’t dropped his form in this format since then and has been scoring runs for fun every time he comes out to bat. If India has to do well Virat’s role will be absolutely imperative. 2. Suresh Raina (Photo Source: BCB) He is the highest scorer in the eight seasons of IPL and has always been among the most successful T-20 cricketers in the world. He not only scores runs but scores them at a brisk pace that’s what differentiates him from the rest. In today’s match pitch is expected to take turn so his right arm off spin will come very handy specially against the left-hander hitters of New Zealand like Corey Anderson and Colin Munro as he will take the ball away from the left-handers. 3. Ravichandran Ashwin Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo by Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images) He is India’s most lethal weapon when it comes to bowling department and scoring runs against him would be extremely difficult for the New Zealanders. Dhoni can utilize him in the powerplay, middle overs or slog overs such is the versatility of Ashwin and every time he comes to bowl he will not only look to contain the batsman but also take the wickets. His overs will be a crucial factor in the outcome of the game. 4. Kane Williamson Kane Williamson, Captain of New Zealand. (Photo by Christopher Lee-IDI/IDI via Getty Images) In the past two years or so he has been the most consistent batsman in the World. He has made runs all around the globe but what differentiates him from the rest is his ability to play spin bowling. He won’t change the fortune of the match with his big hits but he can play the anchor role for his team and the team can build or chase a total around him. 5. Martin Guptill Martin Guptill of New Zealand. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP/Getty Images) Martin Guptill will be at the helm of the batting line-up. The right-handed opener is currently the most vital cog in the Kiwis batting department. 29 year old is in blazing form off-late and totaled an outstanding 425 runs in the last three home series which the Blackcaps played against South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan including four half-centuries. His big-hitting prowess and ability to give team headstarts throws the opposition out contention in the match quickly. Therefore, considering all these factors, India must be wary of Guptill as he definitely can prove to be lethal for them if left unchecked. Also read: Ind v NZ World T20 Preview: Super 10 begins with a mouth-watering clash in Nagpur