‘Nothing easy about it’ as India take on depleted NZ

In T20 World Cup season, the hosts focus purely on their 50-over game

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

On paper, the three-match India-New Zealand ODI series is a battle between the two top ranked sides, but there are many reasons behind the contest not carrying much context.

The T20 World Cup at home is less than a month away, the 50-over format itself faces an uncertain future, and the visitors have chosen to send their second string.

The ODI series opener on Sunday is the first men’s international game to be played at the Baroda Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium, and by the looks of it, this is not exactly the contest a state association would want to stage for its opening show.

Yet, the stakeholders are unperturbed. Irrespective of the relevance, the presence of two ODI greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, assures them of a grand opening. Kohli and Rohit have infused fresh life into the one-day game.

After delightful displays in Australia and in the home series vs South Africa, the ‘Ro-Ko’ hype is set to sweep the country during the three-match series. It can be seen from the fan frenzy at cricket-starved Vadodara, which is hosting its first men’s international game in 15 years. It is only fitting that BCA has chosen the duo to flag off the series with a ceremony on Sunday morning.