India vs New Zealand ODI series: 5 biggest factors that will decide the outcome

Form of Indian’s third seamer

Shardul Thakur will have to prove himself while bowling alongside Bumrah and Shami

In the two ODI home series that India played last year after the World Cup, they dearly missed the services of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. On this tour also, while they have Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, the third seamer would have to be found from among Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur.

This is a weak point in the Indian line-up and New Zealand can capitalize on it. If the third seamer doesn’t get going and leaks runs, the good work of Bumrah and Shami may get undone. Hence, how well Saini or Thakur – whoever gets the go ahead to be in the XI – bowls will be extremely crucial.

The likes of Taylor and Williamson are smart players and they will try to capitalize on this weakness of the Indian team if they get through the early spells of Bumrah and Shami unscathed. So, Kohli will have to use the third seamer in a clever way.

However, this series could also be regarded as a great opportunity for the likes of Saini and Thakur. If they shine, they can book their spots in the team for the upcoming series. Spotlight would certainly be on their efforts.