New Delhi, 11: New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and chose to bat against India in the second ODI of the tri-series at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.
India had a setback on the eve of their opening match when prolific opener Gautam Gambhir was ruled out of the tournament with a groin strain.
The visitors will be hoping that comeback man Rahul Dravid will provide solidity at the top-order.
India lost Virender Sehwag before the tournament with a shoulder injury.
At No.3 Dravid will hold the fort after nearly two years. Dravid’s comeback has been linked with the young brigade’s inability to face the short stuff in Twenty20 World Championship.
India would be back after a good two months break from cricket. Last time India played in One-dayer was when they beat the West Indies 2-1 immediately after the World Twenty20.
India will also have an eye on the International Cricket Council’s ranking ladder as they can achieve the No.1 spot if they will their league matches and the final.
New Zealand will be looking to make amends after losing the first One-dayer against Sri Lanka. The positives for them would be former Indian Cricket League (ICL) rebels Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey’s successful comeback.
—Agencies