IND vs NZ: India began their red ball campaign with a thumping win over Bangladesh as they defeated the visitors with a 2-0 win.
Next, India will host a three-match series against New Zealand at home, as this series would mark the end of their home red ball season before they tour the Aussie islands for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India will look to make some subtle yet obvious changes or additions to their squad for the Kiwi series, as high chances of Mohammad Shami to be back to the Indian side seems imminent.
India’s two biggest additions to the side:
Inclusion of Mohammad Shami: Shami was ruled out due to injury for over 10 months, as he was last seen in a level of competitive cricket only in the Cricket World Cup 2023.
Shami has been long under rehab, at the NCA, as he has now almost recovered from his ailment. Shami is probably to be back for the Indian side before the BGT and the home series against New Zealand is a perfect opportunity.
Likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad might be brought back into the Test side: The CSK opener has been seen in the longest format of the game playing in India’s domestic cycle.
Now he has been seen in a role of the skipper of the Rest Of India side after he captained the Duleep Trophy side. Gaikwad has been dropped from the white ball sides as India are considering him for the longest format of the game as suggested by reports.
Gaikwad might be an important option alongside Rohit and Jaiswal as India openers for the BGT.
The Indian team middle-order will be decked by the likes of Shubman Gill, veteran Virat Kohli , Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul who recently rose to the rescue of the Indians in the second test and lastly Sarfaraz Khan the new record breaker who scored a double ton in the Irani Cup final.
The Indian team will also have all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin, though Axar Patel is unlikely to be picked further.
The bowling deck might be supplied richly now with Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. Though Siraj and Akash Deep can be considered in the role for India’s other test pace bowling option.
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India’s probable squad for NZ series: Rohit Sharma [C], Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj.
