Auckland, Nov 4:
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl in the first One-Day International against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday, opting for a pace-heavy combination to begin the series. The Indian team named four specialist fast bowlers — Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh — despite their combined experience of just 29 international matches. The selection signals India’s willingness to test its emerging bowling options in overseas conditions.
The most notable omission from the playing XI was Mohammed Siraj, whose absence leaves the responsibility of leading the pace attack to Arshdeep Singh. Kamboj, Nabi and Brar will provide support, but the relatively limited experience of the group makes the bowling combination an important talking point. The decision also gives the newcomers an opportunity to establish themselves against a New Zealand batting line-up that includes several experienced players.
India also opted for spin-bowling all-rounder Naman Dhir ahead of seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. The choice suggests that the team management wanted an additional spin option and batting depth rather than another seam-bowling option. Axar Patel will provide further support in the spin department, giving Gill flexibility in the middle overs.
The batting line-up features considerable experience, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to provide stability alongside Gill. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul add depth to the middle order, while the combination will be tested against New Zealand’s bowling attack in familiar home conditions. Rahul will take the wicketkeeping duties.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, have named a strong line-up featuring Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips. Their bowling attack includes Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith. The hosts will look to use home conditions to put pressure on an Indian attack that has limited experience at this level.
Playing XIs
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner.