Photo by Prashant Bhoot / Sportzpics for BCCI
The much awaited India’s first overseas assignment is set to Kick-start tomorrow in Auckland. The hosts will miss the services of their premium bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult, which should augur well for the visitors
Here we take a look at the predicted XI of the Indian team for the 1st T20I.
Set opening pair
The Indian management will once again be stress free as they don’t have to choose between Rahul and Dhawan this time around with the latter being ruled out due to injury. With Rohit and Rahul, India will be hoping for a solid and a brisk start from them. Rohit and KL Rahul looked in fine form in the recently concluded home series against Australia and will be looking to continue their batting prowess in this series as well.
Middle order to revolve around the skipper
India’s middle order to have a thin look once again with uneasiness visible. The captain at the press conference said that KL Rahul will don the wicket keeping gloves which is a clear indication that Pant will be benched for the 1st game. Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey might get the nod ahead of Rishabh Pant.
3 Players to fight for one spot
There is a possibility that 3 players could fight for one spot which is up for grabs in the middle order. Sanju Samson, Dube and Pant will be the possible options available for Virat to choose from. It will be a tough ask for Virat to choose one among those 3. There are high chances that Shivam Dhube might play ahead of the two in the list mainly because of the 6th bowling option he gives to the captain especially in a batting friendly conditions in New Zealand.
Gun bowling attack
The bowling attack looks rock solid for India with Bumrah, Saini, and Shami completing the pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will look after the spin department. There is also an outside chance for Shardul Thakur to break into the playing XI in place of Saini
Predicted playing XI: