India have already whitewashed Test series by 3-0 against New Zealand. Under the Indian conditions and experience of MS Dhoni as a captain, they are the favourites to win the five-match ODI series as well. India are going to play their 900th one-day match at Dharamsala on Sunday. Let us look at the players who can make a difference in the match.
M S Dhoni: The Indian captain has proved himself time and again that he is a batsman to rely on. He has been out of action for a while but has worked on his fitness. He was last seen playing against Zimbabwe and won the series as the skipper. It is now the time to settle scores with the Kiwis who are already on back-foot after their loss in Test series. His captaincy will prove to be a crucial difference between the two sides.
Virat Kohli: As the Test captain, he not only performed as a leader but also clicked with his bat. He silenced his critics with his double ton and is in best of his form coming into the first ODI.His double century against New Zealand is a proof that he can take on any team with ease. The Kiwis would try to get him as early as possible and his run at ODIs previous year, which wasn’t that impressive, will give them some confidence and hopes.
Manish Pandey: This youngster under the guidance of Dhoni can be a player to watch out for. This player had earned a lot of praise when he had scored his maiden hundred against Australia early this year. Although he has been out of the ODI squad for a while, but this can prove to be a solid comeback series for him. He might a get a place in the playing eleven as Suresh Raina is out of the game due to viral fever. Manish Pandey is in good form as he scored two centuries for India A in the recently concluded quadrangular series in Australia.
Hardik Pandya: This all-rounder has been impressive in T20 format of the game. He is set to debut against New Zealand and can get a permanent place in the ODI format if he performs well. He has the brilliant strike rate of 139.28 in T20. He can be a useful all rounder who can perform in ODI as he has proved his credibility in the shorter format of the game.
Akshar Patel: His performance against the Zimbabwe has earned him an ODI spot. He will have to prove his credibility in the absence of the likes Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, who have been rested. His bowling can be important under the Indian conditions and his performance in IPL has already proved that.
