India is prepared to kick off their ODI series against New Zealand today at Eden Park, with the first match scheduled for 7 am. This three-game series is a vital stepping stone in their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Beyond the preparation, India is desperate to snap a losing streak of four matches against New Zealand. After being swept 0-3 during their 2020 visit, the current team, led by stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan, sees this as the perfect moment for redemption.
Team India is ready to take on New Zealand in the first match of the ODI series, which will kick off today at 7 am at Eden Park. Men in blue will begin their preparations for the ODI World Cup next year with the three-match series. India will look to end its four-match losing streak against the hosts in the purest form of cricket. The last time India toured New Zealand in 2020, they lost the ODI series 0-3. So, this series presents stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan-led side an excellent opportunity to exact revenge for those losses.
There is a lot of anticipation among Indian fans for Sanju Samson and Umran Malik to get an opportunity to perform. Breaking into the playing XI would allow them to showcase their skills in the ODI arena, and with some senior stars unavailable, it's the right time for the management to test out new options.
Given his current momentum, Sanju Samson has earned a fair shot at becoming a mainstay in the team. He is a right-hander capable of shifting the game's momentum through his aggressive instincts. Complementing the attack is Umran Malik, whose sheer speed is a rare asset that fills the void left by Jasprit Bumrah.
At just 23, Malik is a raw talent who needs more exposure to evolve into a key weapon for the national team. At the top of the order, we expect to see Dhawan and Shubman Gill opening, while Suryakumar Yadav will likely take the No.3 spot. The challenge for Yadav will be to prove that his current form can translate into steady, match-winning knocks in the longer ODI format.