In an unexpected turn of events, India elected to bench Shardul Thakur for the top-of-the-table match against New Zealand at the present ICC Cricket World Cup at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. India and New Zealand are the only two teams in the ten-team league that have never lost so far.
After winning the toss, India’s captain Rohit Sharma decided to bowl first, making this the fifth straight game in which the two champions will chase. Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav, who are participating in their maiden game in the ongoing competition, are taking their spot.
Shardul Thakur and injured Hardik Pandya won’t be participating in the high-profile match, Rohit announced during the coin toss.
In India’s last three matches, Shardul Thakur was selected in place of Shami. However, due to the Chennai stadium’s spinning characteristics, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was chosen over both Shami and Thakur for India’s opening encounter against Australia. Thakur has taken two wickets in three games, giving up 102 runs at a 6.01 economy rate.
Shami may also be featured in the starting XI due to his background and present performance. Prior to the ODI World Cup, it is important to note his performance in the home ODI series against Australia. In the first ODI, which India won by five wickets, the 33-year-old took a five-wicket haul, winning Player of the Match in the process.
India will try to beat New Zealand in the second ODI World Cup match.
Having each won all four of their matches thus far in the competition, India and New Zealand will be vying for the top spot. With a winning record of five out of eight games, the Kiwis enjoy an advantage over the two-time champions in the ODI World Cup. In addition, the BlackCaps ended India’s hopes of winning the World Cup for a third time by eliminating them in the 2019 edition’s semifinals.
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