India were thrashed 4-0 in the ODI series by the home team and in turn lost their numero uno status in the 50-over format. With the Test series to begin soon, Indian team needs a rejuvenated start to the 5-day game. Here are some players that can lift the spirits in the team and take the mantle of leading from the front:
India were thrashed 4-0 in the ODI series by the home team and in turn lost their numero uno status in the 50-over format. With the Test series to begin soon, Indian team needs a rejuvenated start to the 5-day game. Here are some players that can lift the spirits in the team and take the mantle of leading from the front:
Zaheer Khan
In his comeback Test against the Proteas, Zaheer Khan plucked 7 wickets in the 2-Test series. Indian bowling might have come under the hammering in the ODI series but veteran Zaheer Khan is not new to Kiwi conditions. In 11 matches played against the Black Caps, ‘Zak’ has picked 38 wickets at average of 28.84. With his mere prescence around, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami can take a lesson or two!
Cheteshwar Pujara
By far India’s best batsman off late in the Test matches, Cheteshwar Pujara was badly missed in the ODIs. With Indian batsmen falling cheaply to Kiwi bowlers, Pujara’s calm and composed prescence at the crease could boost the morale of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane who have been struggling for runs.
Ishwar Pandey
Representing his domestic side, Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji season, Ishwar Pandey received a call-up for national duty and that too on Kiwi shores. In the practise game, Pandey picked up 3 wickets to put more pressure on MS Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher as far as the selection is concerned. The lanky bowler can be a breath of fresh air for the Indian team and can upset the batsmen if the conditions are supportive.
Murali Vijay
The Tamil Nadu-batsman might have had a satisfactory performance in South Africa but he might be out to repent it in New Zealand. With Shikhar Dhawan struggling for form, Vijay can be seen partnering (probably) Ajinkya Rahane at the top. Murali Vijay is a cool customer and if he gets some runs with the bat, expect him to reach the three figure mark.
