IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Ishan Kishan likely to play in middle-order as India face plucky New Zealand

Having stirred a debate after being left out despite his world record double hundred, Ishan Kishan is expected be back in the playing XI, albeit in a different batting position, when India face a stern test against New Zealand in the three-match ODI series, beginning in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Ishan Kishan had to sit out of the Sri Lanka series despite scoring the fastest double hundred in the history of ODIs, against Bangladesh in the preceding series.

Shubman Gill, who was rewarded for his consistency and picked ahead of Ishan to open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. Made the most of the opportunities with scores of 70, 21 and 116 in the Sri Lanka series. No changes are expected to the opening combination against the Black Caps but K.L. Rahul’s unavailability due to personal reasons opens up a slot for Ishan Kishan as he is also expected to keep wickets.

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Ishan Kishan has batted in the middle-order thrice

Ishan Kishan has batted in the middle-order thrice in the 10 ODIs he has played. Therefore the adjustment should not be an issue. K.S. Bharat, who is the second wicketkeeper in the squad, is likely to warm the bench as he is more of a cover in Rahul’s absence. Every game is significant and India would aim to build on the gains from the Sri Lanka series. Though the performance of their opponents was underwhelming to say the least.

The big takeaways for India from the Sri Lanka series was the performance of the top three and Mohammed Siraj’s ability to pick up wickets with the new ball. Ishan Kishan, Like Gill and Virat Kohli, Rohit also looked in sublime touch with scores of 83 and 42. But would like to get a big hundred which has also eluded him for some time now. Kohli though is back to scoring hundreds at will and looks hungrier for runs more than ever. Which should set the alarm bells ringing in the New Zealand camp. Siraj, Mohammad Shami and Umran Malik will be the likely specialist pacers. In the team with Hardik Pandya being the all-rounder.