Last Updated on 14 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
The Test series schedule is likely to affect India’s next ODI series against New Zealand as the last two matches will overlap with preparations for the longer format.
CricBlog understands these selection calls through a team source with Shubman Gill likely to lead India in the first three ODIs before departing to join the Test group. The Test series begins on November 19, four days after the final ODI.
Gill is not being rested but is likely to join the Test squad early to get enough time with them before the series. The decision is also expected to affect other Test regulars with Shreyas Iyer potentially leading India in the fourth and fifth ODIs. Workload management and the Test schedule are among the key factors behind the selection calls for the ODI squad, which is expected to be announced by the selectors this week.
Key Selection Decisions Ahead of New Zealand ODIs
Ravindra Jadeja might not be included in India’s ODI squad for the series as selectors wish to try more dynamic options. Washington Sundar is also expected to miss the ODI leg, which could open opportunities for others to strengthen their case in the middle overs.
India are reportedly planning to field Jasprit Bumrah in the first and third ODIs as they continue to manage his workload. Prasidh Krishna is expected to miss the first one or two matches due to injury, while Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana are doubtful for the first three.
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Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav might make a comeback to the ODI setup. Gurnoor Brar is also in the mix, despite some average form in recent outings.
The probable squad for the first three ODIs is: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prince, Gurnoor Brar, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh.
The final list could have some more changes depending on the fitness of Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, plus the requirements of the Test squad.
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