FIVE THINGS INDIA MUST DO

Defending champions India will play New Zealand in the first of their two warm-up games on Sunday. India will have to quickly regroup, coming into the tournament after two months of T20 cricket. HT looks at five things Virat Kohli’s men need to focus to start on a winning note:

1. Batsmen need to click: India will be keen to get their opening combination going. While Rohit Sharma will be back at the top of the order after coming in at No 4 for Mumbai Indians’ victorious IPL campaign, Shikhar Dhawan will be desperate to get a good knock and regain his confidence. Skipper Virat Kohli is also eager to regain his touch after a poor run since the Test series against Australia.

2. Getting pace combination right: India have depth in the pace department but will look to find the right trio. Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya have been regulars. However, Mohammed Shami is keen to make an ODI comeback, not having played white-ball cricket since the 2015 World Cup, and for India since the middle of the England Test series. 3. Stop Tom Latham: The left-hander has hit three half-centuries and a century in his last five knocks. He might prove to be a threat if not dismissed early. 4. Finding momentum: In their last two ODI series, India won 3-2 against New Zealand and 2-1 against England. On Sunday, Kohli’s men will have to find that ruthless mentality and dominate the game.

5. Tackling Kiwi pace: Passing the first pace test in English conditions will be vital. Trent Boult can move the ball while Mitchell McClenaghan played a big role in Mumbai Indians’ IPL win and with Tim Southee will pose questions even on an Oval pitch that is expected to roll out well for the batsmen..