New Delhi- Experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. This marks his return to the ODI setup after being left out of the series against South Africa. Meanwhile, batsman Shreyas Iyer has been included in the squad, pending fitness clearance.
Siraj’s return to the squad comes as a boost, with his new ball partner Jasprit Bumrah being rested to focus on the T20 World Cup. Iyer, who suffered a spleen laceration during the ODI series in Australia, will need to demonstrate match fitness in a Vijay Hazare Trophy game on January 6 to receive clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE). He is set to resume his role as vice-captain.
However, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, leading to his exclusion from the squad. The selectors are mindful of managing his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The series is scheduled to commence in Vadodara on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively.
“Shreyas Iyer’s availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE,” stated the BCCI. “Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, and considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed,” it added.
Despite his impressive performance during the South Africa series, Ruturaj Gaikwad did not make the cut for the squad. With captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer unavailable due to injuries, Gaikwad’s century in the previous series was not enough to secure his spot.
Gill will resume the ODI leadership role, with Rishabh Pant retaining his place as the second wicket-keeper in the squad.
Notable exclusions from the squad include Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel, as senior players return from injuries. The pace attack will feature Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
India’s star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to attract large crowds at the three venues during the series.
India ODI squad for NZ series: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC; subject to fitness clearance), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
