New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI against India

Middle Order - Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor

Kane Williamson has been in good form recently, and his scoring rate has been brisk and consistent. Williamson has been a better captain and has held the innings firmly on many occasions. Williamson will be a key player throughout this series and the Kiwis need him in full flow.

Ross Taylor has been New Zealand's best player in the last year or so. His return to form has been one marked by big scored and he has scored 920 runs in 14 matches in the last year at an average of 92 and is No.3 on the ICC Batsmen Rankings. Taylor will be their most crucial for this tour.

Henry Nicholls is another new player who is expected to be in the fray for World Cup selection. He was in good touch against Sri Lanka, scoring 185 runs in 3 matches and averaging 85.50, including a big ton in the last ODI.