Team India, according to expectations, will choose to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, given the fact that there are bigger tournaments to look forward to, such as the ICC T20 World Cup.
However, both players will probably return for the five-match T20I series, following the completion of the ODI series. This is part of India’s workload management plan to ensure that all key players remain in top order for ODIs.
ODI and T20I Series vs New Zealand
The upcoming tour of New Zealand comprises three ODIs, to be played according to this timetable:
The New Zealand tour will begin with three ODIs, scheduled as follows:
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January 11 – Baroda
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January 14 – Rajkot
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January 18 – Indore
The ODIs will be followed by five T20Is at:
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Nagpur – January 21
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Raipur – January 23
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Guwahati – January 25
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Visakhapatnam – January 28
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Thiruvananthapuram – January 31
With increased importance being given to the T20 internationals, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are not likely to be selected in the ODI side, which is expected to be announced on January 4th & 5th.
Why Bumrah and Pandya Are Being Rested?
The Indian team management is eager to take care of both of these players because of the enormous value they possess in the game of Twenty20 cricket:
Hardik Pandya, who only plays white-ball cricket these days, has not been part of an ODI fixture since the final of the Champions Trophy in March, courtesy of some consistency in injury matters.
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Jasprit Bumrah, who is being managed due to his work load, last participated in an international match in the 2023 ICC World Cup final.
With the crucial role that these players are set to play in the T20 World Cup, the selection committee does not want to risk exposing them to fatigue and injuries in the OD series.
Hardik Pandya Set For Vijay Hazare Trophy Match Debut
Hardik Pandya, who has opted out of the International ODIs, is set to feature for Baroda in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. This move will ensure he meets the BCCI’s rule of mandatory domestic cricket.
Pandya is likely to participate in two out of Baroda’s last three matches in the league stage, which are scheduled on January 3, 6, and 8 in Rajkot, before he joins the Indian squad.
News regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, who had played two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi, will be back for Delhi’s last but one league game against Railways on January 6. After this, he will go to the Indian ODI side. Rohit Sharma is finished with his domestic engagements and is set to prepare directly for the ODI series against New Zealand.
Mumbai Players and Fitness Watch
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has shared some news regarding the players:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has recently been unwell, is likely to play some local games before reporting for selection to play in the ODIs in Baroda on January 7.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will soon return to the Mumbai side. Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of action since October with a spleen injury and is likely to participate in Mumbai’s match against Maharashtra on January 3 to assess his fitness levels. Although there is no certainty about his performance in ODIs, he is reportedly eager to prove his fitness.
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