Shubman Gill Returns to Action as India Prepares for ODI Series Against New Zealand
Practice Session Ahead of the ODI Series
Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has commenced his practice sessions in the nets in preparation for the first ODI against New Zealand, scheduled for Sunday in Vadodara. This three-match ODI series marks Gill's comeback to the Indian team after he missed the T20 series against South Africa due to a toe injury last month, which also led to his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad. Gill shared glimpses of his practice on Instagram.
Gill's Injury Challenges and Performance Against New Zealand
Over the past few months, Gill has faced several injury challenges. Prior to his toe injury, he was sidelined from the Test series against South Africa due to a neck issue, which kept him out for the remainder of that series, with Rishabh Pant stepping in as captain. Despite these setbacks, Gill has excelled against New Zealand in ODIs, amassing 623 runs in just 12 matches at an impressive average of 69.22, which includes two centuries and five fifties. Notably, he scored his first ODI double century (208) against the Kiwis.
Shreyas Iyer Cleared for Selection
In other news, Indian middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has received the green light to join the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Earlier this month, he was included in the ODI lineup, pending fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, following his recovery from a spleen injury sustained during the Australian tour. Iyer has already played two matches in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming ODIs against New Zealand.
Background on Shreyas Iyer's Injury
Iyer, who currently serves as India's ODI vice-captain, suffered a spleen injury while attempting a spectacular diving catch during the third ODI in Sydney last October. He was immediately hospitalized due to internal bleeding, and tests later confirmed a spleen laceration. This injury ruled him out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the home ODIs against South Africa.
India's ODI Squad for the New Zealand Series
The Indian squad for the ODI series against New Zealand includes: 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, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.