Having only a few days to the T20 series against New Zealand, the Team India T20I squad has undergone significant emergency changes. This is a very important step before T20 World Cup since the five-match series will begin on January 21.
The most significant change is the blow to all-rounder Washington Sundar who is out of the whole T20I series. During his first ODI at Vadodara, Sundar picked up the injury as he bowled. He experienced some pain in the lower rib region and could not do any more. Later medical examination proved that he had a strain on his side and rest is recommended.
Consequently, Team India T20I has replaced the struggling spinner Ashwin with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. The fact that Bishnoi is included highlights the strength of the bowling options of India particularly on the pitches that would support spin.
The other notable adjustment is the rejoining of Shreyas Iyer. He is listed in the team in the first three T20 matches to replace the injured Tilak Varma. This is a rebirth to Iyer, as he has been away of late assignments in the T20 format.
What makes the series which follows particularly significant is that it is near T20 World Cup. ODI Brazil vs. New Zealand series has already been a competition and both teams have already won one match each and this preconditions a fierce T20 contest.
New Zealand vs Team India T20I Squad.
Suryakumar Yadav will also be the Team India T20I captain, with Axar Patel as a vice-captain.
Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy (WK), Ishan Kishan.
As the injuries have been stretching the depth of the squad and exposing the squad to tests, the Team India will be eager to get the injuries settled fast and carry the momentum to the World Cup.
