Team India opt for 5 bowlers in 2023 World Cup vs NZ: Fans react team balance

For their 2023 World Cup encounter against New Zealand on Sunday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Team India made two changes to their starting lineup.

The Indian think tank introduced middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav to the lineup after Hardik Pandya was forced to withdraw from the game owing to an ankle injury. Furthermore, experienced bowler Mohammed Shami replaced bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

Only five frontline bowlers were in the team for the critical match, including Rohit Sharma. Many supporters criticized India’s strategy on social media.

Here are a few of the most prevalent responses:

We should have take Shardul Thakur instead of Suryakumar Yadav. It's good to have a 6th bowling option that gives captain a little more variety in bowling. This is not a good move to play with only 5 main bowlers with opposition like Newzealand 6th bolwling option is must.

— Pranav (@mepranav__) October 22, 2023

Very positive approach against Kuldeep by the New Zealand batters. It has forced him to go flatter and it is something that will not be lost on the other teams India has to play. I will be very interested in seeing Kuldeep's comeback to this attack.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 22, 2023

This has been an excellent contest so far. NZ has perfectly tapped into India's weakness today – just five bowlers. Despite slow start, NZ knew it could attack even one bowler, Kuldeep today, then Indian bowlers will be under a bit of pressure.#INDvsNZ

— Sahil Mathur (@smat8415) October 22, 2023

we needed atleast one more bowler today, nz have 8 bowlers to our 5, we are losing a tactical battle ☹️ let's see if we can pull something off here

— h. (@intruedelusion) October 22, 2023

Woah the day we go with five bowlers, one of them starts conceding so many runs

Pandya is very important for the balance of the team

— Edwin (@ed_dyy) October 22, 2023

Those who were crying for having just 5 bowlers and 6 batters, will understand the importance of that extra batter and a bowler now.

Never a fan of just 5 bowlers. Simply can’t play white ball cricket like that in today’s era.#CricketTwitter #INDvNZ #ICCCricketWorldCup

— Vibhor (@dhotedhulwate) October 22, 2023

Love this pace trio ⚡ pic.twitter.com/69lXduiXIp

— Sᴜᴊɪ ???? (@Im_Suji) October 22, 2023

Pandya is a must in such situation when one of your 5 bowlers goes for runs. The balance he gives to the team is irreplaceable. #INDvsNZ

— Abhishek (@abhishekherekar) October 22, 2023

#INDvsNZ India ???????????????????????? Yogini ji ???????? pic.twitter.com/RBkOJBN3gz

— Rash (@Rash28101) October 22, 2023

In World Cup 2011,India top order had a part time bowlers like Sachin, sehwag and Yuvraj.But in this world cup,india is missing a part time https://t.co/JvTZFBg9cy india play with only 5bowlers,may be part time bowlers role will be crucial in this type of matches.#StarAiKelungal

— Gana (@Gana_2711) October 22, 2023

It’s worth highlighting that both India and New Ze­aland remain undefeate­d in the ongoing 2023 World Cup, with each team se­curing four wins from their respective­ matches.

At the mome­nt, the New Zealand cricke­t team, also known as the Blackcaps, is leading the­ World Cup table points with a net run rate of 1.923. Me­anwhile, India holds the second position with a ne­t run rate of 1.659.

Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra’s batting heroics in IND vs NZ 2023 World Cup match

India chose to field first after winning the toss. They got off to a great start with to Mohammed Siraj’s duck, which was returned by New Zealand’s Devon Conway. The club also made a significant advancement thanks to Mohammed Shami, who returned Will Young for 17.

Rachin Ravindra and Darly Mitchell, on the other hand, stabilized the ship for their side with their decisive blows. After a rocky start, the two batsmen placed their team in a strong position with a magnificent 159-run stand for the third wicket. Ravindra lost his wicket after scoring 75 runs, but Mitchell reached his sixth ODI century.

Darly Mitchell made history by being only the second New Zealander to ever face India and hit a century. In the championship match versus India, Glenn Turner became the first New Zealand player to score a century. In 1975, he earned 114* points against India in Manchester.

The final score for New Zealand in their allocated 50 overs was 273 runs, with Shami returning with a five-wicket haul.