‘Isko bhi abhi comeback karna tha’ – Fans react as Tim Southee likely to play against India in Dharamsala, Kane Williamson still recovering

New Zealand’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign is set to receive a significant boost as star pacer Tim Southee is likely to return to the squad for a crucial match against India on October 22. Southee had missed the team’s first four games in the tournament due to a fractured thumb but is now ready to make his comeback.

However, there’s a shadow of concern as the regular skipper, Kane Williamson, remains unavailable for the India game due to a thumb injury. Nevertheless, the Kiwis find themselves at the top of the points table with an unblemished record of four wins in four games.

Stand-in skipper Tom Latham confirmed Tim Southee’s availability during a pre-match press conference in Dharamsala, offering hope to the New Zealand camp. While the absence of Williamson is a setback, the team has managed to maintain its winning streak despite the injury concerns.

New Zealand and India will clash in Dharamsala

New Zealand kicked off their World Cup campaign in grand fashion, with a resounding victory over the defending champions, England. Their triumphs extended to clashes with lower-ranked teams such as the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Will Young has deputized admirably for Williamson and has even scored two consecutive fifties.

In the bowling department, New Zealand has been a force to be reckoned with, thanks to a stellar performance from their pacers, including Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson. The return of Tim Southee adds another potent weapon to their arsenal.

As New Zealand faces India, it will be intriguing to see how the team strategizes, especially concerning the selection of the playing XI. Will they opt for a four-man pace attack, potentially leaving one of their pacers on the sidelines, or will they rely on a different approach to counter India’s formidable lineup?

This upcoming match promises to be a marquee clash in the ODI World Cup 2023, with both teams eyeing a pivotal victory. For New Zealand, the return of Tim Southee is a welcome sight, and they’ll be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament against a formidable Indian side. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this showdown, as it could have a significant impact on the World Cup’s outcome.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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