(Cricket news) The first ODI was a pretty convincing win for New Zealand while the next one was rained out. India now need a win to tie the series but they will need to improve in order to beat this New Zealand side in their backyard. This is by no means is India’s strongest squad but it is better than what it showed in the first match. This is the first series for India in preparation of the 2023 World Cup and a loss will not be an ideal way to start. Rain is expected to interrupt play but both teams and its fans will be hoping to see some action and a result at the end.

India’s possible playing XI:

Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

Bench: Shardul Thakur, Sanju Samson, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Kuldeep Sen

India are likely to retain the same line-up for the game as the last game was rained out after just 13 overs. A lot of eyes would be on Deepak Chahar and his fitness which has question marks over it. After missing the first ODI Deepak Hooda was brought in to give the captain a 6th bowling option and he is likely to stay. India’s bowling in the middle overs has to improve if they want to win this match. Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar will have to create more wicket taking chances in order to keep New Zealand at bay.

New Zealand possible playing XI:

Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Matt Henry

Bench: Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham

Michael Bracewell was brought in the last match to give an extra spin bowling option but the kiwis will need 4 seamers in Christchurch. Tom Latham and Kane Williamson are in excellent form and so is Lockie Ferguson. Finn Allen will have to justify his place in the side as a player like Martin Guptill is being left out for him.

Also read: How lack of part time bowlers/batting all-rounders is costing India