The tour is expected to be the last New Zealand tour for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With the two stalwarts attracting considerable attention, the number of matches in the series has been increased from three to five. India will be looking to win the ODI series under Gill's leadership, with Rohit and Kohli certain to be part of the playing XI.
However, the major question remains: who will be the other eight players in India's playing XI for the first ODI?
Shubman Gill will lead India in the first three ODIs before joining the team for preparations for the Test series. Shreyas Iyer is expected to take over the captaincy for the remaining two ODIs. Managing Shreyas' workload will therefore be crucial, and the team management could consider resting him for the opening match to give Ruturaj Gaikwad an opportunity.
Ruturaj has previously demonstrated his usefulness at the number four position, making him a possible replacement in the middle order.
India recently won the T20 series under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, with the final match of the series played on Sunday. The ODI series, beginning on Wednesday, is expected to see changes in India's playing XI.
The five-match ODI series is also important from the perspective of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shreyas, who led India in the five-match T20 series, could be rested for the first ODI to manage his workload ahead of the remaining matches.
Another player who could get an opportunity in the opening ODI is Naman Dhir. The all-rounder attracted attention with his aggressive batting during the T20 series and could find a place in the playing XI against New Zealand.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is also expected to secure a place in the team as a fast-bowling all-rounder.
India's pace attack could feature Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj in the first ODI. Arshdeep Singh is also among the possible options for the final spot in the bowling lineup.
Kuldeep Yadav is expected to get an opportunity in the ODI series, with the first match offering a possible chance for the left-arm wrist spinner to feature in the playing XI.
India's probable playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand includes Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and either Gurnoor Brar or Anshul Kamboj or Arshdeep Singh.
With the ODI series serving as an important step in India's preparations for the 2027 World Cup, the opening match could provide an opportunity to assess the team's combinations while managing the workload of key players.
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