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After the conclusion of the three-match T20I series, India and New Zealand have now shifted their focus to the 50-over format. Like the T20I series, both teams will compete against each other in three matches in the ODI series as well, and the first ODI of the series is taking place in Auckland on Friday (November 25).
In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and his white-ball deputy, KL Rahul, senior opening batter Shikhar Dhawan is leading the side. In the first ODI, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to field first. At the time of the toss, Dhawan confirmed that India will field two debutants-Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik-in the first ODI.
Umran and Malik have already made their T20I debuts for India, and now they will get a chance to play for the Men in Blue in the 50-over format of the game as well. Jammu & Kashmir pacer Umran, who rose to prominence during the IPL 2022 because of his express pace and wicket-taking abilities, has played three T20I matches for India prior to making his ODI debut. In those three games, he managed to pick up two wickets but conceded runs at an economy rate of 12.44.
Arshdeep, on the other hand, has impressed in T20Is this year. He was part of the Indian team in the T20 World Cup as well, where he finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker. The 23-year-old left-arm pacer has played a total of 21 T20Is for India in 2022, in which he has picked up 33 wickets.
Despite being a debutant for India in the first ODI of the three-match series, he will be well aware of the responsibilities that are on his shoulders, as India have no sixth bowling option in Auckland on Friday.
Apart from these two debutants, Shardul Thakur is the third pacer in the playing XI, whereas for the spin bowling job, India went with all-rounder Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Since Hardik Pandya isn’t part of the ODI series and India decided not to pick Deepak Hooda and Deepak Chahar in the team for the first match, there are only five options available for India in the ODI series opener.
