Vijay Hazare Trophy: Key Players Eyeing ODI Selection for New Zealand Series
Introduction to the Vijay Hazare Trophy
The Vijay Hazare Trophy has emerged as a vital stage for players aspiring to join India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Exceptional performances in both batting and bowling have placed numerous domestic talents in the spotlight for national selection.
Upcoming ODI Series Details
This season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy serves not only as a showcase for talent but also as a competitive arena for national team selection. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to announce the India squad for the ODI series against New Zealand on January 3 or 4. Players are striving to catch the selectors' attention with their remarkable performances.
Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series is scheduled to commence on January 11, and the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has highlighted several standout performances as players compete for a place in the Indian ODI lineup.
Top Contenders for Selection
Here are six players who have made a strong case for inclusion in the India squad for the ODI series against New Zealand:
1. Devdutt Padikkal
Karnataka's Devdutt Padikkal is making a compelling argument for his selection in the ODI squad, having scored 408 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 102 in just four matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His strike rate of 106 reflects his aggressive batting style and consistency at the top of the order.
With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill likely to occupy the opening slots and Virat Kohli expected to bat at No. 3, Padikkal is positioning himself for a middle-order role, especially with Shreyas Iyer's fitness in question.
2. Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel, the Indian Test wicketkeeper-batter, is also in contention for a spot as a second wicketkeeper-batter. He has scored 324 runs, including a century and two fifties, with an average of 108.00 and a strike rate of 137.87 in four matches. His standout performance of 160 runs off 101 balls against Baroda has made him a serious candidate for the ODI series.
3. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan, a dynamic batter, is another strong contender for the middle order. After his last Test appearance against New Zealand in October 2024, he has been eager for a national call-up. His explosive innings of 157 runs off 75 balls, featuring 14 sixes, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has certainly caught the selectors' attention.
4. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is vying for a place in the ODI squad after his last appearance in the Champions Trophy final. In the current domestic season, he has taken 44 wickets across formats in 15 matches. Reports suggest that Shami may be included in the 15-member squad for the ODI series, especially with Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested.
5. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, the captain of Jharkhand, has recently returned to the Indian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand. His impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 517 runs, has bolstered his case for an ODI comeback. Kishan's explosive 125 runs off 39 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has further solidified his position as a contender.
6. Anshul Kamboj
Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj has shown remarkable form in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was the third-highest wicket-taker in the SMAT with 21 wickets and has taken 10 wickets in the VHT. His consistent wicket-taking ability makes him a strong candidate for an ODI call-up.