Gill to lead India against Kiwis: 'Fitness test' for vice-captain; Pant in, Shami out!

MUMBAI: The BCCI has announced the Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. While youngster Shubman Gill returns as captain, injured Shreyas Iyer has been named as the vice-captain. However, Iyer will be able to play only if he gets the BCCI's fitness clearance. Since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in the team, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included as the backup opener.

Rishabh Pant will continue as the wicketkeeper, which was the position eagerly awaited by Malayali cricket fans. Although the names of Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel were actively discussed, the selectors put their faith in Pant. However, Mohammed Shami's brilliant performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was not enough to bring him into the team. Shami's rejection has been discussed again among the fans.

Another notable absence in the team is all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The BCCI has clarified that Hardik is currently not fit to bowl ten overs in a match. With this, Nitish Kumar Reddy has secured his place in the team as the pace all-rounder. Leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series. The major changes in the team are the return of Mohammed Siraj to the team. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel have lost their places.

The pace attack will be led by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna along with Siraj. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will handle the spin along with Kuldeep Yadav. The first match of the three-match series will be played in Vadodara on January 11.

Indian ODI squad for the New Zealand series: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.