Arshdeep set to return for first ODI against New Zealand, Siraj likely to miss out

The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is about to begin. The first match will be played on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. India have already won the T20 series on this tour 3-2 and will want to take a lead in the ODI series by winning the opening match.

Before the match, captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir face their biggest dilemma in picking the playing XI. Who gets a chance in the first ODI remains to be seen.

In batting, captain Shubman Gill and star batter Rohit Sharma are expected to open. The two will have to produce their best on New Zealand soil. Virat Kohli is expected to bat at number three and will have the chance to break several records in this series. All three performed well in the recent series against the West Indies, so expectations from them will be high.

T20 captain Shreyas Iyer is also likely to find a place in the playing XI. As a result, Ruturaj Gaikwad may have to sit out this time as well. In the middle order, KL Rahul is very likely to play as wicketkeeper-batter, which could leave Ishan Kishan on the bench. Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to play as the pace-bowling all-rounder. Naman Dhir could be included as a spin all-rounder to support him.

A major change could come in the bowling. Axar Patel will be the main spin all-rounder, while Kuldeep Yadav will be left out of the team for the ODI series. In pace bowling, Anshul Kamboj may get another chance. Arshdeep Singh's return appears certain.

Mohammed Siraj is currently playing for India A. The ODI is due the very next day, so it is difficult for him to play. Siraj may therefore be available only for the second ODI. The team management also appears inclined to give Gurnoor Brar another chance.

India's probable playing XI for the first ODI is: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar.