NZvsIND: Preview, Dream XI, TV listing of first ODI
What's the story
After winning three consecutive ODI series, India face a sterner test as they lock horns with New Zealand in the first ODI on Wednesday.
Both sides will be looking to get off the mark and take a crucial lead in the five-match series.
Conquering New Zealand won't be an easy task for Virat Kohli-led India.
Here is the preview, Dream XI and TV listing.
Batting position
India need to solve their number four conundrum
With the ICC World Cup 2019 starting from May 30 onwards in England and Wales, the biggest issue facing Team India is the number four position in batting.
We could see the side playing MS Dhoni at number four to squeeze in Kedar Jadhav.
This batting position remains a concern with Ambati Rayudu misfiring against the Aussies.
India are still in a trial mode.
New Zealand
In-form New Zealand batsmen could hurt India
Virat Kohli's side will be wary about the threat New Zealand possess.
The hosts are in prime form with the bat and the batsmen could hurt India.
Ross Taylor, in particular, has been thrashing opponents.
Moreover, the Kiwis have plenty of match-winners who can change the complexion of the match.
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in the recent ODIs and scored emphatically.
Importance
The series is of utmost significance ahead of World Cup
This is India's last ODI series assignment away from home prior to the World Cup.
Post this, they will be facing Australia at home.
Therefore, the series is of utmost importance in terms of getting the balance in XI right.
Conditions in the UK will be similar.
It's a big opportunity for Kohli to try out combinations and attack the Black Caps.
Key players
Players to watch out for in first ODI
Rohit Sharma can provide the strong starts and has the knack of batting till the end.
MS Dhoni was the man of the series against the Aussies and he scored three successive fifties. His impact in the middle order is vital.
For the Kiwis, Taylor is their best man to hold the fort.
Fast bowler Trent Boult's swing could test Indian batsmen.
Info
Match timing, TV listing and India's record in Napier
The match is set to be held at the McLean Park in Napier.
India have played six ODIs here. They have won just two matches (1999 and 2009).
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network.
One can stream the match live on Hotstar. It is scheduled for a 7:30 AM IST start.
Dream XI
NZvIND: Here's our choice of the Dream XI
Rohit and Kane Williamson are among the runs and go in as the openers.
Kohli along with Taylor are the go to batsmen.
Wicket-keeper batsman Dhoni and Henry Nicholls add firepower in the middle order.
Colin de Grandhomme and Kedar Jadhav are the all-rounders.
Boult leads the bowling attack.
He will be supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.