New Zealand vs India 2014: 5 Kiwi players to watch out for in ODI series

3. Jesse Ryder

Jesse Ryder

One of the most heart-warming cricketing stories of 2013 was the return of Jesse Ryder from a horrific head injury that he suffered in a bar brawl early last year. Ryder returned to competitive international cricket in the West Indies ODI series, and he played as well as he has all through his career.

With Anderson, Ryder laid into the West Indies bowling at Queenstown as he made a 50-ball century in a partnership of 191 which came off just 75 balls. Ryder hit the ball really well, and given his record against India, he is someone that will definitely be on MS Dhoni’s radar to have plans against.

4. Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor

One of New Zealand’s more experienced cricketers now, Taylor is also the man-in-form as far as the Kiwis are concerned. After scoring hundreds in all three Tests against the Windies, Taylor was in good form through the ODI series as well.

Like Ryder, Taylor has also traditionally done well against India, and New Zealand will require their talisman to be up for the challenge, and fire if they’re to have a chance of beating the top ranked ODI side in the world.

5. Tim Southee

Tim Southee

Although 2013 was a year when Southee made a considerable impact in Test cricket alongside Trent Boult, Southee also established himself as the Kiwis’ leading bowler in ODIs as well.

Southee’s ability to swing the new ball has been his biggest source of wickets, but his death bowling is also an asset to the side. He is someone who keeps a calm head, and can bowl yorkers at will.

If they come out right, he’s very tough to play. But, if they go wrong, as they did in the World T20 in 2012, Southee can be taken for runs. But, as New Zealand’s most consistent pacer over the past 18 months, Southee will be up for the challenge.