Just like that, without any worries or major hiccups, India have gone 2-0 up in the 5-match ODI series in New Zealand, and it doesn’t seem too difficult for them to wrap up the series and take home another overseas trophy. After two successful matches for the Men in Blue, here’s our fantasy preview for the 3rd ODI between New Zealand and India, for all those Dream11 and fantasy cricket enthusiasts.
Plenty of changes are expected in both camps. Read for more…
Virat Kohli?
Firstly, this is Virat Kohli’s last game on this tour, as BCCI announced a rest for him, missing the last 2 ODIs and the T20Is that follow. Now on most occasions, I don’t recommend picking Virat Kohli in your fantasy teams majorly because he’s picked by almost 95% of teams. However, his last 3 ODI scores read 46, 45 and 43, and he’ll be wanting to convert one finally and end this tour on a high. VK is my captain for this one.
Wicket-keeper
MSD, MSD, MSD. This one is all MS Dhoni. I know there’s a strong argument for Tom Latham being selected as the wicket-keeper since he’s a better batsman and since he bats much higher up the order. However, let’s not forget that India’s spin twins Chahal and Kuldeep have been brilliant and a lot of catches and stumpings come into play. Furthermore, MSD has been having a purple patch with the bat in 2019. Three consecutive fifties in Australia and now a 48* in his only innings in this series. He averages an ‘out-of-this-world’ 241 in 2019 ODIs so far, being dismissed just once.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya becomes an automatic pick when Mumbai Indians or Team India is playing, because of the value he gives with batting, bowling as well as fielding abilities. However, he has been traumatized with the drama surrounding his comments on the popular talk show, Koffee with Karan. While he’s set to return, will he be 100% himself on the field? Highly unlikely. Would you want to waste a vital spot on him?
The all-rounder is celebrating his 25th birthday today and he’ll surely be itching to get back to success on the field tomorrow morning, coming straight back in place of Vijay Shankar. With the World Cup just months away, he will be looking to get back and hit the ground running. Pick both Pandya and Kedar Jadhav in your all-rounder slots. For New Zealand, Colin Munro becomes your ideal pick.
My fantasy XI:
MS Dhoni (wk), Kane Williamson, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Kedar Jadhav, Kuldeep Yadav, Doug Bracewell, Lockie Feguson.
For more updates on India’s tour of New Zealand, keep reading ReadScoops.com.
