Predicted Playing XI of India in 5th ODI vs New Zealand

India will take on New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI of the five-match series on November 15 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The visitors will aim to finish the series on a winning note after suffering a heavy defeat in the fourth ODI, while the hosts will look to carry their momentum into the series finale.

India currently have a 2-1 lead in the series, with one match having ended without a result. However, their 244-run defeat in the previous encounter has raised questions about their batting approach and team combination. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry dismantled the Indian batting lineup with a career-best spell of 6/27, while Will Young scored a magnificent 125 to guide the hosts to a commanding victory.

With Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain for the final two ODIs, India will be keen to make a strong comeback. The management could consider a few changes to the playing XI, particularly in the bowling department, to ensure that the team has enough firepower to challenge New Zealand.

Here is India’s predicted playing XI for 5th ODI:

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma will be one of India’s key players at the top of the order. The experienced opener has the ability to provide aggressive starts and put opposition bowlers under pressure during the powerplay. India will expect him to take responsibility and deliver a substantial contribution after the disappointing batting performance in the previous match.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to partner Rohit Sharma at the top. The right-handed batter has demonstrated his ability to construct innings and play attacking strokes when required. He will be keen to make the most of the opportunity and establish himself as a reliable opening option in the ODI setup.

3. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is expected to bat at No. 3 and provide stability to India’s batting order. His experience in challenging overseas conditions makes him an important player for the visitors. Kohli will be determined to produce a significant innings and help India recover from their collapse in the fourth ODI.

4. Shreyas Iyer (C)

Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead India in the series finale. The middle-order batter is known for his ability to handle spin and accelerate during the middle overs. As captain, he will also have the responsibility of making effective tactical decisions and motivating the team after the previous defeat.

5. Ishan Kishan (WK)

Ishan Kishan is likely to retain his place as the wicketkeeper-batter. His aggressive batting approach provides India with another attacking option in the middle order. Kishan can change the momentum of an innings quickly and will be eager to make a valuable contribution in the final ODI.

6. Axar Patel

Axar Patel will be an important component of India’s combination, offering balance with his left-handed batting and economical left-arm spin. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable player, especially in conditions where controlling the middle overs will be important.

7. Naman Dhir

Naman Dhir is expected to feature as a middle-order batter and provide additional depth to the lineup. He has shown promise in limited opportunities and could be useful with his ability to play attacking strokes. His potential contribution with the ball could also provide India with another bowling option.

8. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj could return to the playing XI to strengthen India’s pace attack. His ability to generate movement with the new ball and bowl aggressive spells makes him an important option in overseas conditions. India will need early breakthroughs, and Siraj’s experience could prove valuable against New Zealand’s aggressive batting lineup.

9. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is likely to retain his place despite an expensive outing in the previous match. The left-arm wrist-spinner remains one of India’s biggest wicket-taking options in the middle overs. His variations and ability to deceive batters in flight could help India break partnerships and restrict New Zealand’s scoring rate.

10. Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar could feature as another pace-bowling option. His height and ability to extract bounce could be useful at Bay Oval. The young fast bowler will be eager to make an impact and support India’s senior bowlers in restricting the hosts to a manageable total.

11. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is expected to complete India’s bowling attack. The left-arm pacer offers variety and has the ability to swing the new ball. His accuracy with yorkers and variations at the death make him an important member of the Indian bowling unit. He will be expected to deliver crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for 5th ODI vs New Zealand

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer (C)
5. Ishan Kishan (WK)
6. Axar Patel
7. Naman Dhir
8. Mohammed Siraj
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Gurnoor Brar
11. Arshdeep Singh