RANCHI: The three-match T20 International series ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the big-ticket ICC event, the 50th World Cup at the end of the year, feels like a nerd going to a crazy party – not much something to look forward to.
However, there are many players on the edge or second pick who require longer strings and are knocking on the door to get into the first team more often.
For these players, the absence of king-size managers – like Rohit SharmaVirat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel – perhaps the biggest opportunity for side players to attract the attention of the selection committee as well as the team management.
So when India takes on the Kiwis in their opening match on Friday, it will be one of the last three opportunities for many young players — like hometown boy Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Sivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran MalikDeepak Hooda, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tripathi — to pique the curiosity of selectors ahead of more important future series and tournaments across formats. For reserve captain Hardik Pandya too, the series will be another chance to make his case stronger as captain in the shortest form as well as in the 50 man form. Future.
For another young friend Ruturaj Gaikwad, is now out of chances as Maharashtra’s opener has been ruled out of the series due to a wrist injury. He complained of wrist pain after the Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad. Gaikwad is currently being treated at NCA, Bangalore. BCCI has not announced any replacements for Gaikwad as the team already has three experts to open the scoring, Shubman Gill, Kishan and Shaw.
As for New Zealand, they will be looking to leave behind ODI’s vindication and start from scratch in T20I under the leadership of the new captain. Mitchell Santner. With Michael Bracewell and Devon Conway are about to have excellent individual performances against Batman, the Kiwis will be hoping their top team will fight in unison to get them off to a good start in the series.
The away team included left-hander Ben Lister on the team. He is very similar to Trent Boult’s mold with the ability to swing the ball in both directions.
If the speed racer makes his debut on Friday, New Zealand will pin their hopes on Lister for early breakthroughs. Much will depend on Santner and Ish Sodhi as experienced editors on the side.
360 degree man of India, Suryakumar Yadav, will be looking to make a statement following his not-so-good performance in the ODI against New Zealand. Deepak Hooda, with his recent all-win performance against batman, looks set to get the nod for second all-rounder ahead of the Washington Sundar.
The polishing looks strong after the huge totals India put out in the ODI series. There is some work that must be done in the bowling department. Left-hander Arshdeep Singh, capable of leading the speed attack in the absence of high-level pros, will be hoping for a neat spell. He likely has Malik and Mavi for the company.
In the spin department, India will have to make a choice between Yuzvendra Chahal, the preferred foot spinner, and the left wrist spinner. Kuldeep Yadavwho impressed in recent matches against Sri Lankan and Kiwis.
