CWC 2023: India vs New Zealand match preview

India last won a match in an ICC event against New Zealand 20 years back, in the 2003 World Cup. They have suffered a massive blow as they take on their ‘ICC trophy arch nemesis’ in Dharamsala: Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the game due to an injury he suffered against Bangladesh.

India, thus, will be forced to not only change personnel but also change the balance that has been producing results for them. Suryakumar Yadav is most likely to replace Pandya, with Mohammed Shami also expected to replace Shardul Thakur.

Like India, New Zealand have won all four of their games so far and are at the top of the table. Despite the absence of Kane Williamson, who is still recovering from the fractured hand, New Zealand looked well settled. They suffered a collapse in the previous game, but Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham came good to rescue their innings, which will instill confidence in them.

In a positive development, Tim Southee is fit and available for the game, but whether he makes it into the XI remains to be seen.

IND vs NZ fantasy tips

# Shubman Gill has a good record against left arm pace. He has only been dismissed five times and averages 45.20, while striking at 104.14 against left arm pacers in ODIs. He is also due for a big score. He should be in your side alongwith being a top captaincy pick.

# Trent Boult has good records against Rohit Sharma (4 dismissals, avg 22.25) and Virat Kohli (3 dismissals, avg 40.33) in ODIs. Dharamsala is expected to be helpful to new ball bowlers. Boult should be a certain pick in your side

# Matt Henry has been in tremendous form, and so has been Jasprit Bumrah. Both fast bowlers should make it to your XI, especially given the conditions that will be on offer in Dharamsala.

# Daryl Mitchell has been in good form, but he struggles a lot against Kuldeep Yadav. From 32 balls against him across formats, Mitchell has scored 23 runs and has been dismissed twice. Avoid picking Mitchell and keep Kuldeep in your side.

India vs New Zealand: Predicted XI

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

IND vs NZ: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Tom Latham, KL Rahul

Batters: Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav

All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Matt Henry, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

Captaincy options: Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

Potential swaps: Devon Conway for Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson for Trent Boult.