India vs New Zealand 2016: India's possible playing XI

Spinners

Ashwin has grown into one of the best spinners in the world

No one is better than Ravichandran Ashwin on the sub-continent tracks and has taken a lot of wickets in this part of the world. He is a certainty in the playing XI and will lead India’s bowling against the Kiwis. His fellow spinner is a spot which is up for grabs.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra are the other two spinners in the fray and if the team management decides to go in with a 6-5 combination, both Mishra and Jadeja will play at the expense of Rohit. If only four bowlers are chosen to play, then only two spinners will get into the XI.

Amit Mishra is a veteran bowler in these conditions and has done well whenever he has got a chance. Even with the bat, Mishra has added some value to the team. On the other hand, Jadeja has an extraordinary record at home in the two series (against Australia and South Africa) he has played so far.

Mishra has taken 32 wickets from 10 matches in India at an average of over 37 but, Jadeja’s numbers at home look much better as he has accounted for 50 wickets from just 9 matches at an impressive average of 15.70.

In all likelihood, Jadeja will accompany Ashwin in the spin department when the Indian team take on Kane Williamson and co. After a great series against West Indies with the bat, R Ashwin is expected to bat above Saha.