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Shreyas Iyer returns (Source: AFP)
In the latest development, BCCI has officially revealed the India squad for the upcoming ODIs against New Zealand, starting on January 11. Shubman Gill, who missed the last ODI series against South Africa, returns to lead the team. Shreyas Iyer, who has been out of the team due to an injury, returns to the squad (subject to fitness).
Also, in a surprising turn of events, the selectors have dropped Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a century in the ODIs vs the South African side. In other major development, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya have not been picked in the team for the all-important ODI matches.
Revealed why Hardik, Bumrah were not included
Two key players, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, were not included in the ODI setup, and this raised eyebrows, considering that both players are fit. Hardik played against South Africa in the T20Is and has been regularly playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The BCCI revealed the real reason why Hardik was not picked.
"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," the press release stated.
Talking about Bumrah, he has not played a single ODI match since the World Cup final in 2023, and just like Hardik, the board is carefully managing his workload, keeping in mind the upcoming World Cup.
No Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami in the team
Before the squad selection, it was revealed that Ishan Kishan might make a comeback in the ODI team, considering his stellar form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the batter was also snubbed by the selectors, as the management has gone in with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the two keepers in the team.
There were also reports that Mohammed Shami, who has been out of the team could make a comeback in the white-ball team, but this decision has officially put an end to his international journey.
Mohammed Siraj back in ODIs
Mohammed Siraj, who was not a part of the ODI squad vs South Africa, has been selected for the upcoming matches. With no Bumrah in the team, India needed a bit of experience in the bowling department, and perhaps the wily pacer was selected for this purpose.
