Guwahati, Nov. 26: With the Test matches over and India expectedly wrapping up the series against the Kiwis in style, it is time to shift attention on to the five ODI matches, the first of which kicks off here at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
India have preferred to rest a bulk of the senior pros and provided opportunities to youngsters keeping in mind the World Cup which is just three months away.
Of course, it would have been interesting to see the approach of the BCCI and the selectors had this series been against a more formidable unit, or if New Zealand were not humiliated by Bangladesh before the India visit.
However, the contest may not be as one-sided as that result may indicate. India’s young turks are quite likely to face a stiff test as the visitors do have players in the ranks capable of making a difference especially in the shorter format.
Both teams arrived here on Friday afternoon with India later going through a short optional training session.
India’s memories in this venue would be a tad bitter as it was here last year when they were routed by Australia to surrender the seven-match series. The batsmen were completely bamboozled by the Aussie pacers who exploited fully the early morning conditions. On this occasion too, the toss may become vital given the early morning moisture that tends to play a crucial role.