India’s ODI squad announcement for the New Zealand series was eagerly awaited. With a hectic schedule ahead, several new faces were expected to get an opportunity. The big question was: which players are on the selectors’ radar?
The announcement has now provided the answer. India have named separate squads for the first three and final two ODIs, with opportunities for fresh faces and a change in leadership. Shubman Gill will captain the opening three matches, while Shreyas Iyer will take charge for the fourth and fifth ODIs. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in both squads.
As CricInformer had reported earlier, India have opted for two squads. New Zealand have taken a similar approach, separating their selections for the opening three and final two matches.
Shreyas Iyer to Captain the Final Two ODIs
Gill and KL Rahul will not feature in the fourth and fifth ODIs as India adjust their squad ahead of the Test series. Their absence creates opportunities for other players to establish themselves in the ODI setup.
Iyer, the vice-captain for the first three matches, will take over the leadership. Ishan Kishan will serve as his deputy and is also one of the wicketkeeping options for the final two games.
No Bumrah or Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the entire ODI series is in line with CricInformer’s earlier report. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar missing both squads is a more surprising development.
Reports had suggested that Bhuvneshwar could be considered for the fourth and fifth ODIs in Bumrah’s absence. That anticipated ODI return has not materialised.
A pending fitness assessment could be one possible explanation, but there is no confirmation that fitness is behind his omission. His absence remains one of the main talking points of the announcement.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Misses the Entire Series
Yashasvi Jaiswal has not been selected for any of the five ODIs. His omission from even the opening three matches stands out.
The selectors may want him to focus on preparations for the Test series. With India’s established top-order players available, he might also have struggled to secure a place in the XI during the first three ODIs.
That could explain a cautious approach towards his workload and preparation, although the reason for leaving him out has not been confirmed.
Prasidh Krishna Awaits Fitness Clearance
Prasidh Krishna has been selected for the first three ODIs, subject to fitness clearance. His availability will depend on passing the required assessment.
Gurnoor Brar is included in both squads without a similar condition marked against his name. His selection brings him back into the picture, although the squad list alone does not establish the details of his fitness clearance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy also features in both groups, giving him an opportunity throughout the series.
Fresh Opportunities in India’s ODI Squads
Tilak Varma’s inclusion for the fourth and fifth ODIs is a significant boost. It shows that he remains in the selectors’ plans for the 50-over format.
Kumar Kushagra has been picked as a wicketkeeping option alongside Kishan. His inclusion gives him a chance to push for an international debut and reflects his growing place in India’s selection plans.
Yash Thakur also gets an opportunity in the final two-match squad. Auqib Nabi, meanwhile, remains on the selectors’ radar despite a debut performance that did not leave a strong impression.
India’s Squad for the First Three ODIs
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna* and Kuldeep Yadav.
Prasidh Krishna’s selection is subject to fitness clearance.
India’s Squad for the Fourth and Fifth ODIs
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper and vice-captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.
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