ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Rahul Dravid hints at India's playing XI vs New Zealand

Rahul Dravid clear in his mind about India's playing XI in Dharamsala.

Team India will be playing against New Zealand without their key all-rounder Hardik Pandya in Dharamsala. An ankle injury ruled the Indian all-rounder out of the big game for India. India and New Zealand both need a win to keep their unbeaten streak going in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Hardik Pandya’s absence has caused a shakeup in Indian team management as team India will be either one bowler short or one batter short in the game. 

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has dropped hints on India’s expected playing XI against New Zealand in Dharamsala. Dravid also acknowledged the fact that whoever comes in will not provide the right amount of balance India had before Pandya’s injury. Dravid also dropped a hint that Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav might play in the game against New Zealand in Dharamsala, considering the conditions and requirements. 

Rahul Dravid gives a big hint for India's playing XI

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid said, “Hardik is an important player for us, so we will have to work around that and see what is the best combination that we can come up with. We will have what works best for these conditions and these wickets. But probably not have the kind of balance we probably used in the first four games.” Hardik Pandya was India’s 6th bowling option, who used to contribute 7-8 overs in a game. 

Indian coach Rahul Dravid said that Mohammed Shami could come in considering the condition in Dharamsala. He said, “Obviously, the three seamers, having someone like Shami sitting out there and bringing him in this game is a great option, In some cases there is Ashwin who has been sitting out, who has a great quality as well. So there are two or three combinations we could use considering this till Hardik gets back.” 

Rahul Dravid also revealed that it will be a toss-up between Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in the batting department. Dravid added that if India need to go with someone who can bat at the top-order then they will go with Ishan Kishan while Suryakumar provides the role of an enforcer in the middle order. Dravid added, “Many different, different permutations and combinations… I mean, we are pretty clear on what our playing 11 is tomorrow.”