Punjab Newsline, Sports:
Rohit and Virat Likely to Play, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah May Get Rest
The Indian cricket team for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand is expected to be announced on January 3 or 4. There is considerable excitement among fans, as Team India may once again take the field with a balanced combination of senior and young players. According to early indications, the return of captain Shubman Gill to the ODI side is almost certain, while the comeback of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer currently appears unlikely.
Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in this ODI series. Both players have been in good form in recent times, and the team management is keen to give them consistent match practice. At the same time, keeping workload management in mind, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah may once again be rested. The board wants to keep its key players fit and fresh considering the long season ahead.
As far as captain Shubman Gill is concerned, he missed the ODI series against South Africa in November last year due to injury. He suffered the injury during the Test series, which ruled him out of the ODIs. However, he made his return in the T20 series and is now considered fully fit. In such a situation, he is set not only to return to the ODI squad against New Zealand but also to lead the team.
On the other hand, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is still battling fitness issues. He sustained a shoulder injury during the Australia tour earlier this year, which has kept him away from cricket for the past three months. Currently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. According to reports, he has not yet received fitness clearance, making his participation in the ODI series against New Zealand highly unlikely.
Overall, India’s probable squad for the New Zealand series is expected to be a blend of experience and young energy, with Shubman Gill’s return as captain likely to give the team fresh momentum.