NZ vs IND 2019: Why is it difficult for India to win the series

#1 Bowling attack

India's death bowling looks weak without Bumrah.

In 2018, Bumrah had picked 22 ODI wickets from 13 matches averaging 16.64 at an economy of 3.63, while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar had only 11 wickets from 14 matches averaging 48.82 at an economy of 5.32. Mohammed Shami had played only 2 ODIs in 2018 picking up 3 wickets averaging 46.67 at an economy of 7.00. With Bumrah being rested India's bowling department look weak. India will miss his toe-crushing yorkers and his ability to bowl in the death overs. But in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, Shami and Bhuvaneshwar gained their rhythm back by picking 5 and 8 wickets respectively from 3 matches. In New Zealand, the duo will lead the Indian pace attack, while the third seamer spot has to be filled by inexperienced Mohammed Siraj or Khaleel Ahmed. Spinners are hardly expected to get any support from the pitch.

Lockie Ferguson is in red hot form with the ball.

On the other hand, New Zealand's bowling department lead by Trent Boult and Tim Southee looks more settled. They might also bring Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell at some point of the tournament due to their rotation policy. But the man in focus will be Lockie Ferguson, who will occupy the third seamer spot. In the recently concluded ODI series against Srilanka, he picked 6 wickets from 2 matches while he took 11 wickets from 3 matches in the ODI series against Pakistan.

Men in blue have to work really hard out of their skins to win this series against an in-form New Zealand.