New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI against India

New Zealand will take on India in a 5-match ODI series and 3 T20Is at home. The 1st ODI is set to begin on 23rd January, Wednesday at Mclean Park, Napier. The visitors are in good form, beating Australia 2-1 in a 3-match ODI series and with players like MS Dhoni returning to form, and this promises to be a cracker of a series.

New Zealand have had a rollicking start to the year and thrashed Sri Lanka in the 3 ODIs and T20I they played. Their top order seems to be in great form while their bowling lineup did well as well.

Let's take a look at New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI against India.

---

Openers - Martin Guptill and Colin Munro

Martin Guptill and Colin Munro

Martin Guptill has been on fire in the last few months and has scored runs at a quick pace at the top of the order. Guptill scored 153 runs in the 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka but was dismissed for 1 in the 1st T20I. Guptill nevertheless will be looking to score big against the Indian bowlers who seem to be in good form. A player who loves playing in ICC tournaments, the Kiwis will hope that Guptill gets in his groove.

Colin Munro is slowly settling into his role as an opener in the ODI team after cementing his spot in T20Is. Munro had a good series against Sri Lanka and scored 121 runs in 3 matches averaging 40.33. He is a devastating player when on form and New Zealand will hope that he gets set into the team before the World Cup. Though India's bowling attack will be more of a test for Munro than Sri Lanka, he can be a big threat to India.

Middle Order - Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor

Kane Williamson has been in good form recently, and his scoring rate has been brisk and consistent. Williamson has been a better captain and has held the innings firmly on many occasions. Williamson will be a key player throughout this series and the Kiwis need him in full flow.

Ross Taylor has been New Zealand's best player in the last year or so. His return to form has been one marked by big scored and he has scored 920 runs in 14 matches in the last year at an average of 92 and is No.3 on the ICC Batsmen Rankings. Taylor will be their most crucial for this tour.

Henry Nicholls is another new player who is expected to be in the fray for World Cup selection. He was in good touch against Sri Lanka, scoring 185 runs in 3 matches and averaging 85.50, including a big ton in the last ODI.

Wicket Keeper and All Rounder - Tim Seifert and Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner

Tim Seifert makes way for Tom Latham in the squad. The left-handed Latham will be hoping to make the most of the opportunity in his role for the Black Caps. He is also in fine form, and recently blasted a T20 century for Canterbury in the Super Smash.

Jimmy Neesham's return to the ODI side was explosive and highly entertaining and the Black Caps hoped that his return will fill the void at No.7 but he picked up an injury and won't be available for the first 3 ODIs against India.

Mitchell Santner is most likely to replace him as the side's all-rounder. He is extremely handy with the bat and a quality left arm orthodox spinner. He made his return in the T20I side and will want to continue in the same in this series.

Spinner- Ish Sodhi

Ish Sodhi has been a vital cog in the Black Caps' unit and has troubled the batsmen with his tight lines and unexpected turn and bounce. His lanky frame and high point of release have befuddled many good batsmen in his career. Sodhi has picked up 20 wickets in the last 10 ODIs and took 3 wickets in the recently concluded T20I against Sri Lanka. He will be one to watch out for in the match.

---

Fast Bowlers- Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson

Trent Boult and Tim Southee

Tim Southee has been New Zealand's premier pacer ever since he made his debut and after Trent Boult made his debut, the duo have been hunting in pairs. Southee, with his early swinging deliveries, and Boult, with his surprise in-swingers, which jag back into the batsman's pads.

Both of them have been in good form and will pose a tough threat to the Indian batsmen who must be ready for a tougher challenge than what the faced against the Aussies. Lockie Ferguson will be the differential with his express pace.