Big Comment/ 'He hasn't had the opportunity to bat': Rahul Dravid bestows faith in KKR star ahead of IND vs NZ

After four wins out of four games, the Indian cricket team will now face the tough challenge against New Zealand in its next ODI World Cup 2023 clash. Team India has displayed tremendous performance in the CWC 2023 and will look to continue the same momentum against the Blackcaps. Rohit Sharma and Co. will walk into the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 match in the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya who has been ruled out of this match owing to an ankle injury.

3 things you need to know 

• Team India is placed in the second spot on the ODI World Cup 2023 points table 
• New Zealand tops the table with four wins out of four matches
• New Zealand will play in the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 without captain Kane Williamson

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Rahul Dravid lauds Shardul Thakur's unused batting ability 

(Shardul Thakur while batting on India's tour of West Indies 2023 / Image: AP)

Shardul Thakur was included in Team India's ODI World Cup 2023 squad due to his ability to contribute valuable runs at crucial moments of the innings. However, the pacer has not yet had the opportunity to bat so far in the tournament. Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has lauded Thakur's batting ability and said that he has been batting hard in the nets. Rahul Dravid said in the pre IND vs NZ match press conference: 

He hasn't had a chance to really bat a lot over the last bit. But certainly, he's been working very hard in the nets with his batting. We've seen that he has the ability to hit some big shots and play some good shots. 

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Team India aim to change to unwanted record against New Zealand

The Indian cricket team has not been able to beat the Blackcaps in the ICC tournaments since 2003 and now will look forward to breaking the record in the clash all set to take place on Sunday in Dharamsala.