‘Nothing easy about it’ as India face depleted NZ in ODIs

The India-New Zealand ODI series lacks context with the T20 World Cup approaching and the visitors fielding a second-string team.

Vadodara: On paper, the three-match India-New Zealand ODI series is a battle between the two top ranked sides, but there are many reasons behind the contest not carrying much context. The T20 World Cup at home is less than a month away, the 50-over format itself faces an uncertain future, and the visitors have chosen to send their second string.

Rohit Sharma bats during a practice session ahead of the first ODI. (AP)

The ODI series opener on Sunday is the first men’s international game to be played at the Baroda Cricket Association

The number game

New Zealand are known to punch above their weight, but it will be tough this time. With their focus on the T20 World Cup, the visitors are without many first-choice players, including Mitchell Santner. Led by Michael Bracewell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson and Daryl Mitchell are the only notable names.

Apart from India’s batting line-up, a spin attack of Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav is a fearsome prospect for the Kiwis. The hosts are unlikely to be tested by a weak New Zealand, although good teams look to challenge themselves. Gill said the series is an opportunity for his team to improve in many areas.

“We don’t look at any opposition seeing them as not being at their full strength. We want to be able to play at our full strength and we want to be able to find the best combinations. In the matches that we play in India, (there’s a situation) the team that is bowling second, it’s relatively difficult for them with the dew,” he said.

“And if we are defending a target, if we can find the best combinations, our bowlers can step up in that condition. If we can do well then we would feel a lot more confident.”

He has also set tough targets for his batting unit. “If we have a high target, how often can we chase them down, how comfortable are we whenever we are put under pressure? Sometimes the art is batting in a particular gear, because when you are batting in Tests and T20s, it’s completely different.”

Pant injury scare

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant had an injury scare when he took a blow below his waist while facing the throwdown specialist in the nets. The team staff attended him in the nets before he walked off grimacing in pain.