New Delhi: The third ODI between India and New Zealand was abandoned due to rain. The Indian team leads the ODI series 2-0. The fourth match of the series will be played on November 13th at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Captains Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will not be part of the team for the final two ODIs. Both players will now be preparing for the Test series, which has forced them to leave the ODI squad. Shreyas Iyer will now captain India in the upcoming two ODIs.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul leave team
The Test series will begin on November 19th. The Indian team will play two Test matches against New Zealand. The second match of the Test series will be played on November 27th. This Test series is crucial for the World Test Championship. This is why both players have been separated from the ODI team to prepare for the Test. In the WTC points table, the Indian team is in fourth place. Winning two Test matches against New Zealand will strengthen its position in the points table.
A 2-0 series win against New Zealand will improve India’s points and percentage, keeping the team firmly in contention for a top-two finish. To reach the WTC final, India will need to excel not only against New Zealand but also against Australia, aiming for series wins. India needs at least five wins and one draw (or six wins) from the remaining seven matches to secure a place in the final.
What will be the Indian playing XI for the fourth ODI?
Gill’s absence could give Ruturaj Gaikwad a chance. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan will be seen playing as a wicketkeeper. This means Ishan will replace KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Kumar Kushagra, who was called up to Team India, could also get a chance to make his ODI debut.
Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rituraj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Naman Dheer, Gurnur Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnur Brar
India’s squad for the last two ODIs against New Zealand:
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper, vice-captain), Axar Patel, Naman Dheer, Aaqib Nabi, Gurnur Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav
