Mohammed Siraj Returns to ODI Squad for New Zealand Series

India's ODI Squad Update Ahead of New Zealand Series

On Saturday, senior fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was reinstated to the ODI team for the upcoming three-match home series against New Zealand, while batter Shreyas Iyer's inclusion is contingent upon passing a fitness test.

Siraj, who missed out on the home series against South Africa, is back in the ODI lineup. His new ball partner, Jasprit Bumrah, has been rested from this series as the focus shifts to the T20 format ahead of the World Cup next month.

Iyer, who was hospitalized for a spleen injury during the ODI series in Australia last November, must demonstrate his fitness in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match on January 6 to receive clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE). He is set to return as vice-captain.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has not been authorized by the COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, leading selectors to exclude him from the squad for the series starting in Vadodara on January 11. With the T20 World Cup approaching, managing his workload is crucial.

The remaining two matches of the series are scheduled for January 14 and 18 in Rajkot and Indore, respectively.

The BCCI confirmed, "Shreyas Iyer’s availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE." They also stated, "Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, and considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed."

Despite scoring a remarkable century during the South Africa series, Ruturaj Gaikwad was not selected. With captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer absent from the South Africa ODIs due to injuries, Gaikwad had impressed with a score of 105 off 83 balls while batting at number four in Raipur.

After being dropped from the T20 World Cup squad, Gill will reclaim the ODI captaincy from KL Rahul, who led the team in his absence.

Rishabh Pant remains as the second wicket-keeper in the squad despite ongoing speculation about his position.

Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel, who participated in the previous series, have been omitted as senior players return from injuries.

The pace attack will feature Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as the fourth option.

Superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, now focusing on one format, are expected to attract large crowds at the three venues.

The India ODI squad for the New Zealand series includes: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC; subject to fitness clearance), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.