New Zealand vs India 2019: 2 players that India desperately need in the 5th ODI

New Zealand defeated India in the fourth ODI quite handily. The whole Indian team was bundled out for just 92 runs, and they were able to play only 30.5 overs.

The conditions were helpful to the seam bowlers and the New Zealand team looked a class apart in those conditions. Trent Boult picked up 5 wickets and was well supported by Colin de Grandhomme, who picked up 3 wickets.

The 4th ODI showed the inexperience of the Indian middle order. The absence of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni was quite visible throughout the match.

The way the Indian team was defeated in the 4th ODI, they would definitely want to win the final match of the series and stamp their authority once again. But in order to win the final match, the Indian team would need these two players to be back in the side:

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The absence of Dhoni was quite visible in the batting lineup. Dhoni adds a lot to the batting with his presence on the crease. He guides the youngsters on how to approach the innings. Also, the team management would want Dhoni to play as many matches before the World Cup as possible.

He seems to have recovered from his hamstring injury, and might come in place of Dinesh Karthik in the final ODI. Dhoni would definitely strengthen the batting line up, especially if he bats at number 4 - that will benefit the young Shubman Gill enormously.

2. Bring back Mohammed Shami

India would also want Mohammed Shami to come back into the playing XI. Shami has been exceptional with the white ball since the Australian tour. He has picked up wickets with both the new and the old ball.

Mohammed Shami

Virat Kohli has often thrown the ball to him when he has needed a breakthrough. In this series too, Shami has won the man of the match award twice in the three matches that he has played. He is the prime contender for the man of the series award, and should be drafted back in as soon as possible.