Commentary on IND vs NZ: India vs. New Zealand Updates and thoughts on 2023 | India vs. New Zealand
Live Scores, Ball-by-Ball Analysis, and Highlights of India vs. New Zealand 2023 Match
- Right. India inked and delivered the largest series victory margin (in runs) ever in the past few days, completing a 3-0 sweep of Sri Lanka. But that series is already ancient history. They haven’t got much of a chance to party because of how hectic modern cricket is. In part because this is an ODI World Cup year when every game counts, and in part, because they must now get ready to face the challenge of New Zealand, who, let us not forget, enter these shores after having defeated Pakistan in Pakistan.
- Over the years, the New Zealanders have proven to be India’s nemesis in ICC competitions. The Men in Blue have traditionally dominated the Black Caps in head-to-head encounters, especially at home. However, that may not matter much after Wednesday, when both sides have so much to look forward to.
- Kane Williamson, who captained New Zealand in the One-Day Internationals against Pakistan, will be replaced as team captain by Tom Latham. However, Devon Conway and Finn Allen are a solid starting duo. New Zealand has more than enough firepower to rattle the Indian cage, thanks in large part to Latham’s excellent form against India and the contributions of other players like Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell.
- However, India is full of confidence going into this series. Prior to the release of COVID-19, Virat Kohli often scored hundreds. As many predicted, Shubman Gill has developed into a first-rate batsman. Rohit Sharma has batted as fluently as he has in recent games, but he still hasn’t hit a hundred. Even the second and third stringers have stepped up to the plate when needed. Without KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer (due to family commitments and injuries, respectively), perhaps Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav can make a stronger case for a more permanent spot.
- Umran Malik’s quickness, as well as Mohammed Siraj’s skill with the new ball, will provide plenty of entertainment. With Williamson out for New Zealand, the troika might be important in India getting out to an early lead. Mohammed Shami has also returned to form impressively.
- New Zealand, however, will be missing veteran Tim Southee, who was given a rest for this game. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner can wreck any batting team in the middle overs, and Lockie Ferguson provides pace for the attack. This bowling attack might have some trouble on flat fields, but New Zealand usually finds a way to succeed, and they’d like to do so again.
- Nonetheless, the series is more about the learning opportunities for both sides than the actual games. A few months from now, the ODI World Cup will be in full gear, and for all we know, India and New Zealand will face off in a pivotal knockout match. Obviously, such a situation could never arise again during a normal bilateral series. Most other teams don’t have the luxury of a close series, either.
- Thus, a lot depends on this set of episodes. Each team will have three games to choose their best possible eleven players. The fact that they will have to make these deductions while up against a first-rate opposition simply adds to the drama!