IND vs NZ 2023: Wasim Jaffer predicts India's XI for 1st ODI

The Men in Blue are all set to host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series starting January 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The two sides will then play each other for as many T20Is, but their focus will be on the first ODI. Ahead of the contest, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer predicted India’s playing XI against New Zealand.

India recently concluded their series against Sri Lanka as the Islanders toured for a three-match T20I series and three ODIs. After winning the T20I series 2-1, India dominated the ODI series and completed a 3-0 whitewash. The Men in Blue registered their biggest-ever ODI victory, by margin of runs, as they defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in the third and final game of the series on Sunday, January 15.

Jaffer opined India’s ideal XI for the first ODI, and named Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the opening batters. While the Indian skipper has been in good form recently, Gill notched up a century in India’s most recent outing against Sri Lanka, and thus, the opening pair is unlikely to change. Jaffer’s combination includes Virat Kohli as the No. 3 batter.

Kohli is in tremendous form, having notched up three ODI tons since December 2022 and thus, the former India skipper will be the one to watch out for in the upcoming game as well. With Rohit Sharma confirming Ishan Kishan’s place in the middle order, Jaffer placed the wicketkeeper-batter at No. 4 in the starting lineup.

Jaffer names two spinners and three seamers in his predicted XI

With KL Rahul being out of the series, Jaffer included Suryakumar Yadav in his XI in the middle-order, placing him alongside all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar. Pandya has not managed to put up a decent knock of late and will be expected to bounce back in form both with the bat as well as the ball.

Jaffer included Kuldeep Yadav as the second spinner, alongside Sundar, in his XI and named three seamers in his bowling lineup in the form of Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, and the in-form Mohammed Siraj. India would surely look a formidable force if this XI takes the field against New Zealand in the upcoming fixture.

Wasim Jaffer’s Predicted XI for 1^st ODI vs NZ: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj

My India XI for tomorrow:

Rohit
Gill
VK
Ishan
SKY
HP
Washi
Kuldeep
Shami
Umran
Siraj

What's yours? #INDvNZ

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 17, 2023

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