India vs New Zealand 2017: 5 players to watch out for

After a successful campaign against the Aussies, India are up against New Zealand now, who had toured the country just about a year ago. This time though, the BlackCaps have chalked out an extensive preparation strategy as they have picked 6 players from the New Zealand-A side, which toured India recently.

With the Indians on a roll, it is certainly going to be a tough series for them. However, they are no pushovers and will give their best to win the series.

Let us take a look at certain players who could play an important role for their respective sides.

---

#5 Hardik Pandya

He has been touted to be the next big thing in Indian cricket for quite some time now, and his recent performances have certainly added weight to the expectations. If one player had to be singled out in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, it had to be Pandya, whose performances helped the team on more than one occasion.

His six-hitting ability has never been under doubt, but what came as a surprise was his promotion to the no.4 slot, where he performed admirably. His bowling is a still a work in progress, as he gradually grows into a bowler who can give his captain the full quota of 10 overs.

Certainly looking forward to how he performs against the Kiwis.

#4 Dinesh Karthik

DK has been in thunderous form in the domestic circuit

Dinesh Karthik has to be one of the unluckiest players ever to play for India, as his career coincided with that of MSD. However, he has just not let his guard down and scored a truckload of runs in the past season and richly deserves the call-up.

Though he has been warming the benches for some time now, KL Rahul's drop in form has catapulted him to the tricky no.4 spot, along with Manish Pandey. With the 2019 World Cup in mind and the rotation policy that has been in place, it would be worth an attempt to try him in the no.4 slot, which he is better accustomed at.

#3 George Worker

Worker has a lot to offer to the current NZ team

One of the brightest prospects from the New Zealand A squad that toured India earlier this month was the emergence of a solid batsman in George Worker. He would, in all probability, open the innings for his team, as New Zealand coach Mike Hesson had already pointed out that Tom Latham would bat in the middle order.

However, he might face stiff competition from Glenn Phillips for a spot in the team, who also performed well in the recent tour. We have to wait and watch whether he stands up to the occasion or not.

#2 Trent Boult

He will spearhead the attack alongside Southee

One of their best players from the last tour, Trent Boult will have a part to play this time as well. His ability to swing the ball and pick up wickets at regular intervals will certainly keep the Indian batsmen on their toes.

His partnership with Tim Southee will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the series, and Kane Williamson will hope his premier fast bowler exceeds expectations this time too. The Boult vs Kohli showdown should definitely be a treat to watch.

#1 Virat Kohli

Kohli had a middling series against Australia

The Indian skipper would once again like to reiterate his credentials as the best modern-day batsman, as he gets ready to face a quality attack in New Zealand. By his own standards, he had a pretty poor series against Australia and he would be raring to go against the BlackCaps, against whom he scored heavily the last time they toured India.

Also, Kohli is set to play in his 200th ODI on Sunday, which would be an added motivation to the Indian captain.The firebrand that he is, Kohli would definitely come out all guns blazing, for sure