New Zealand vs India 2014: 1st ODI - Young India look for a fresh start

Match Facts

January 19, 2014

Start time 1400 (0630 IST)

Big Picture

After an emphatic Champions Trophy for Shikhar Dhawan, he hasn’t looked comfortable in overseas conditions

After an emphatic 2013, India are once again on the rise. Apart from the disastrous tour of South Africa, India have been the dominant team in 2013 by winning the Champions Trophy in England and then winning four consecutive one-day series.

At the time, one would have felt that the side is settled following the departure of the stalwarts – Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. However a dismal one-day series in South Africa suggests that India are not capable of adapting to the conditions and play accordingly.

India didn’t put up a fight in the one-day series as in both the one-day matches, India failed to reach 150-run mark. Therefore MS Dhoni would be hoping for a good show from his boys in the first one-day, which begins in Napier.

The squad that has been selected for the New Zealand one-day series would face a stern test. The surface in New Zealand would be tricky as it can generate seam movement with bounce. Even New Zealand batsmen found it somewhat difficult against West Indies in the one-day series. Therefore Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will be holding the key for India.

Apart from an outstanding Champions Trophy in England, Dhawan hasn’t had a good record in overseas. He failed to make an impact in South Africa series. So this could be the series which would decide Dhawan’s international career.

Dhawan’s strength has been his front foot drives but he has not been a good player off the backfoot. He has not been able to make adjustment to the overseas condition which is costing the Indian team. So he has to make a slight adjustment in his batting – should play off the backfoot. Initially when the new-ball is swinging, he should allow the ball to bounce and then select the shot. If he does that, he could certainly make an impact in the New Zealand series.

A good start is important in this particular series. Rohit Sharma wouldn’t find any problems batting in New Zealand because he has got wide range of shots. However, he needs to find support from Dhawan at the other end. Virat Kohli also had a good series in South Africa, and he needs to keep that going. He learnt how to bat overseas and is certainly capable of reproducing the same kind of performance in New Zealand.

The problem for India lies in the middle order. Although India gets off to a steady start, they fumble in the middle overs because of Suresh Raina who has been out of sorts. So it would be interesting to see whether MS Dhoni still persist with Suresh Raina at No.4, or gets Ambati Rayudu into the squad ahead of Rahane. However it wouldn’t be bad idea to have Rahane at No.4 because he had good series in South Africa. Rahane’s solid technique could come in handy for India.

On the other hand it would be interesting to see the three seamers for first one-day. Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma could be ideal choice for India. Two bowlers who can swing the ball with pace and a bowler who can do damage with new-ball.

New Zealand are riding on a wave of confidence after a strong performance against West Indies. Their bowlers were outstanding in the one-day series. They also have bowlers who do damage with new-ball. Kyle Mills is one of the bowlers who is a good exponent off the new-ball. Tim Southee has been their spearhead and is capable of delivering yorkers.

However the problem for New Zealand lies in the batting. It would be interesting see the approach of Kiwi batsmen as India have quality bowlers who can exploit the seaming condition. Therefore New Zealand openers will have to be watchful in the first few overs.

Players to watch out for

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have provided India steady starts. They had an outstanding year in 2013, and Dhoni would be hoping for a good performance from them. They will be holding the key for India as the new-ball is expected to do a lot more. Therefore both batsmen will have to combat the early swing to switch on the gears in the middle overs. Also the middle order has not been settled and therefore these two batsmen will have to provide a good start.

Kyle Mills has been a good exponent off the new-ball. He can make some early inroads, and so, Kiwi captain should use him effectively. If Kyle Mills can strike with new-ball, India’s middle order would be tested. Otherwise, New Zealand could have a tough time in the field.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface at Napier generally aids seam bowlers. The condition in Napier is windy and so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bowl first.

Team news

It would be interesting to see the No.4 batsmen. Suresh Raina’s form has been patchy, and Rahane, Rayudu are in the offing. However Dhoni would still look to stick with Suresh Raina for the first ODI.

New Zealand, on the other hand, would look to stick with the same side that outclassed West Indies. But New Zealand may consider Milne if they get a fast wicket.

Quotes

“We were given very good facilities. The ground we were given opposite the stadium, we were given good pitches there. The practice wickets were almost like centre-wicket, so we had good practice. Net bowlers were also made available. So from the preparation point of view, it has been good” - MS Dhoni satisfied with India’s preparations.

“Obviously we’ll see how everyone pulls up through training as well, but I think it will be quite nice to unleash a bit of pace in this opening game and then try and be aggressive and as hostile as we can with ball in hand” – Brendon McCullum is open to the possibility of New Zealand picking a four-paced attack.