Photo via Hindustan Times

IND vs NZ Live Score 1st ODI: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in focus as series gets underway

India and New Zealand begin their ODI series at Eden Park in Auckland, with the spotlight firmly on senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they seek to capitalize on their continued inclusion in the format. Their ongoing presence in the squad effectively secures their spots for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, shifting the team's focus to building the rest of the lineup around these two established figures.

The match presents a significant challenge for India's bowling unit, which is notably depleted of key frontline options. Jasprit Bumrah is being rested to preserve his fitness for upcoming Test matches, while Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana remain unavailable due to injury.

Consequently, Mohammed Siraj assumes the primary pace role, supported by a group of bowlers including Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, and Auqib Nabi who collectively possess limited experience in the one-day format. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, aims to exploit these gaps in India's attack as the series commences.

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