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

Pacers

Ishant Sharma will lead the pacers

It is certain that there will be only two pacers in the playing XI irrespective of the playing combination. India's senior most bowler, Ishant Sharma, was expected to be the pace spearhead against New Zealand, but after being ruled out of the first test due to chikungunya. His absence will be huge concern for the team management. Mohammad Shami, was the favourite to share the new ball with Ishant, but an injurt to the latter makes things difficult for the team.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled well in the third test against West Indies and took a crucial five-wicket haul that changed the match in India’s favour. Umesh Yadav has been very inconsistent in the longer version as he errs with the line and eases the pressure off the batsmen.

Ever since coming back from injury, Shami has been sensational in both the tests and T20Is against Windies and, given his record in Test matches in India, there is no doubt that Shami will be taking the field against the Kiwis. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is likely to share the new ball with Shami in the absence of Ishant.