Wellington: Former India captain M S Dhoni is fit-again and likely to play the fifth and last ODI here on Sunday.Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed during the pre-match press conference that Dhoni is fit and available for the game providing more balance in the batting line-up.
Dhoni was out with hamstring injury during last two matches and will provide a balance the middle order inspite of absence of skipper Virat Kohli.
India who have already won the series, but faced a humilitating defeat after being bowled out in the fourth match for paltry 92 their lowest ODI since 2010 and eight wicket loss. Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma also admitted that it was one of their worst performances with the bat and start afresh with Dhawan aiming to end the last match here on a high note.
It will be also be interesting if Mohammed Shami comes back for the final game with Bhuvneshwar Kumar getting the rest. The team management might also want to test Mohammed Siraj as Khaleel Ahmed wasn't very impressive in the last game.
With the three-match T20I series ahead and also the World Cup near, India will have to address this weakness to ensure that its much-vaunted batting doesn't crumble when the condition aids swing bowling in England.
For New Zealand it will be a matter of pride if they win the last ODI. However, opener Martin Guptill will miss the final due to back injury during practice, and will try new opening pair of Henry Nicholls and Colin Munro.
While Ross Taylor who scored an unbeaten knock of 37 runs and shared a match-winning 54-run stand with Henry Nicholls (30) in the fourth ODI at Hamilton too looks in great shape.
In bowling department, Boult five wicket haul and Grandhomme's three wicket haul in the last match will be to watch for. (UNI)
