After securing a five-wicket victory in the opening ODI at Eden Park, India will look to extend their lead when they face New Zealand in the second match at Seddon Park, Wellington, on November 7. Ahead of the encounter, former India opener and cricket commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his thoughts on the possible changes to India’s playing XI. India are still without all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the series opener and remains unavailable for the second ODI.

However, Mohammed Siraj is now available for selection after completing his India A commitments. His absence from the first match had attracted attention, but Chopra explained that the fast bowler was unavailable at the time. According to Aakash Chopra, India are likely to make at least one change to their bowling combination, with Auqib Nabi potentially making way after an expensive outing in Auckland. Nabi returned figures of 0/33 in six overs, and his place in the team could be under threat.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy isn’t available for this game, but he didn’t play the last match either. So you might see the same batting lineup. There’s definitely scope for one change,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “Mohammed Siraj is available. Apparently, he wasn’t available in the previous match. So, guilty as charged,” he added.

ALSO READ: Devon Conway Ruled Out of India vs New Zealand ODI Series After Suffering Concussion

Chopra further explained that Siraj’s return could create a selection dilemma for the Indian management. Including the experienced pacer would give India four specialist fast-bowling options, raising questions about the overall balance of the playing XI.

The former opener believes Anshul Kamboj’s ability to contribute with the bat at number eight could allow India to include wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav at number nine. However, dropping Gurnoor Brar could also prove difficult, considering his performance in the opening ODI.

“He had come after finishing the India A match and was therefore not available, although no one said anything at the toss or in the post-match interview. If he is available, there could be one or two changes. One change could be that Auqib Nabi might go out, and Siraj might come in,” Aakash Chopra said.

Aakash Chopra also discussed the possibility of Kuldeep replacing Nabi instead of Siraj, which would give India a different bowling combination.

ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja Set To Feature In India A’s Final Unofficial Test

“However, in such a scenario, will you want to play with four fast bowlers? That’s a big question that India will have to ask. Since Anshul Kamboj gives you batting at No. 8, if you are okay with it, can you play Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9? That’s the only other change I am thinking about. However, Gurnoor Brar has done very well. How will you make him sit out?” he asked.

“Otherwise, Siraj might not come in place of Auqib Nabi. Kuldeep Yadav might come in place of him. That is also a possibility. One change is almost mandatory. Auqib will go out. Who will come in his place? It could be Siraj or Kuldeep. The team has to decide which way they wish to go,” Chopra concluded.