5. Ravichandran Ashwin:
At one point, Ravichandran Ashwin was the first-choice among spinner but the time has changed. The rise of Ravindra Jadeja as a bowler and as a batsman has pushed Ashwin on the backfoot.
Moreover, New Zealand’s conditions favour the pace bowlers, which is why Kohli will most likely keep Ashwin on the bench.
Jadeja is most likely to get the chance while Hanuma Vihari’s part-time bowling skill has more reduced the chance of Ashwin’s place in the final XI.
All things considered, the 33-year-old will have to warm the bench. As India will most likely start with three pacers, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, while Jadeja and Vihari will be ahead of Ashwin in the bowling department.