While the Indian ODI side is not at a stage where the wholesale changes are required in the squad just yet, because the ODI World Cup is just a year away and the regular players are likely to feature in that tournament, there might still be some new faces who will be featuring in the upcoming India Vs New Zealand ODI series because most of the seniors are resting.
Here are the 2 new Indian players who should get a chance in the playing XI in the India Vs New Zealand ODI series –
Kuldeep Sen
Kuldeep Sen is not one of the highest wicket-takers in the domestic List A competition back home, but he has been picked in the ODI squad because the selectors have seen a bit of an X-factor in the right-arm pacer. Kuldeep is one of the fastest bowlers in the country and while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the last IPL season, he regularly cranked up speeds in the high 140s.
Recently, Kuldeep Sen was given a chance to play with the red ball as well, in the Irani trophy against the former Ranji champions Saurashtra and he showed that he has the ability to bowl consistently at high speeds even if he has to bowl long spells. Kuldeep has a real chance of making his ODI debut in the India Vs New Zealand ODI series in the absence of two of India’s regular ODI bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna.
Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed made his ODI debut against South Africa at home a couple of months ago and although he didn’t get the opportunity to bat in that series, he impressed one and all with his bowling. Shahbaz is a genuine allrounder who can bat in top 6 and can bowl his full quota of overs most of the time.
With Hardik Pandya being rested and not being a part of the ODI squad for New Zealand tour, Shahbaz will be the one who will provide balance to the Indian playing XI.
