IND vs NZ: The Indian cricket team is currently playing a series against the West Indies, but cricket fans have already turned their attention toward the upcoming tour of New Zealand. During this tour, India is set to play a five-match T20 series and a five-match ODI series. The T20 squad has already been announced, while the ODI squad is yet to be revealed.
When might the ODI squad be announced?
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has stated that the Indian squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand will be selected soon. According to him, the selection process is expected to be completed within the next few days.
Reports suggest that fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana may undergo ‘Return to Play’ (RTP) tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on October 24 or 26. Additionally, the Indian squad for the two-match Test series—which begins on November 19 in Wellington—is also expected to be announced.
T20 series begins on October 22
India’s five-match T20 International series against New Zealand will commence on October 22. Meanwhile, the first match of the five-match ODI series will be played in Auckland on November 4. The T20 squad has already been selected by a committee led by Pragyan Ojha.
According to reports, following his appointment as the interim chairman of the selection committee, Pragyan Ojha met with Indian captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Opportunity for Suryansh Shedge?
Mumbai’s seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is also expected to earn a spot in the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. His performance in the recently concluded List-A series against Australia A has strengthened his case for selection.
The 23-year-old Shedge has previously represented India in three T20 International matches in England. After recovering from a hamstring injury, he made a return to competitive cricket and impressed with both bat and ball. He claimed four wickets with his seam bowling and played a pivotal role in his team’s victory by scoring 66 runs in the final ODI.
His case could gain strength in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
Given the concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya’s availability due to recurring injuries, the selectors might turn their attention toward Suryansh Shedge as an option for a seam-bowling all-rounder. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also among the contenders for this role.
Shedge is set to join the Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh, beginning on October 18 in Bilaspur. It remains to be seen whether the selectors, taking his recent performances into account, will offer him an opportunity in the ODI series against New Zealand.
