India are setting their sights on clinching the ODI series against New Zealand, but a series of injuries are causing some concern within the team. India secured a four-wicket victory in the first ODI in Vadodara. The second ODI is scheduled for January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, followed by the final match on January 18 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
India made three changes to the squad that played against South Africa, bringing back Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Siraj. Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Dhruv Jurel were dropped. Shubman Gill is leading the side. The team includes veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.
However, the team's momentum has been affected by recent injuries. Washington Sundar suffered a side strain during the first ODI and has been ruled out for the remainder of the series. Ayush Badoni has been named as Sundar's replacement and will join the team in Rajkot. Rishabh Pant was also ruled out of the series after sustaining a blow while batting in the nets. Dhruv Jurel has been added to the squad as Pant's replacement. Earlier, Tilak Varma was sidelined for the first three T20Is due to a groin injury. Hardik Pandya is also not part of the side, as he hasn't been cleared to bowl 10 overs by the BCCI COE.
Despite these setbacks, India can draw confidence from Virat Kohli's impressive form. In the first ODI, Kohli scored 93 runs, helping India chase down the target of 301. Shreyas Iyer also made a comeback to the team after recovering from an injury.
New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, is aiming to adapt to the Indian conditions. The team is largely a second-string side, with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup. Key players for New Zealand include Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips. In the first ODI, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, and Henry Nicholls all contributed with half-centuries.
The series is important for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Following the ODI series, India and New Zealand will also play a five-match T20I series.
The ODI matches are scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST and will be broadcast on Star Sports, with live streaming available on JioHotstar in India.
