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India will make some changes to their playing XI for the final two matches of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will miss the remaining matches as they prepare for the upcoming Test series.
In Gill’s absence, Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian team in the fourth and fifth ODIs. India have already taken a 2-0 lead in the series after winning the first two matches. The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.
With India already having an unassailable lead, the team management may look to give opportunities to other players in the remaining matches.
Former Indian cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik have also shared their views on India’s possible playing XI for the last two ODIs. Both believe that Ishan Kishan should replace Gill at the top of the order, while Ruturaj Gaikwad should get a chance in the middle order.
Ambati Rayudu believes that Ishan Kishan should open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in the absence of Shubman Gill.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rayudu backed Kishan for the opening spot and also discussed the role of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gaikwad has already scored a century but has not been opening regularly for the Indian team in recent times. Therefore, Rayudu feels that he can be used in the middle order instead.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also agreed with Rayudu’s suggestion. He believes that Kishan should bat at the top of the order, while Gaikwad should get an opportunity in the middle order.
Karthik also pointed out that this combination would give India a good mix of left-handed and right-handed batters.
KL Rahul will also miss the final two ODIs, giving Ruturaj Gaikwad an opportunity to make his place in the playing XI.
Rayudu and Karthik both believe that Gaikwad should be considered for the middle order rather than being used as an opener.
India already have Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan as possible opening options. Gaikwad’s inclusion in the middle order could give the team another batting option and help maintain a good balance.
With Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer also part of the team, India will have several experienced batters in the middle order.
Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj will also not be available for the final two matches of the series. His absence means India will have to consider another pace bowling option.
Dinesh Karthik has suggested two names for the spot: Yash Thakur and Mohammed Siraj.
Karthik believes that Yash Thakur could get an opportunity, but he would personally like to see Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI.
Siraj’s experience at the international level could be useful for India, especially with the team looking to test its bowling options before the upcoming Test series.
India and New Zealand will play the fourth ODI on November 13 at Mount Maunganui. The fifth and final match of the series will also take place at the same venue on November 15.
India have already won the first two matches and lead the series 2-0. The team will now look to continue its winning run under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.
The remaining matches will also give some players a chance to prove their value and strengthen their position in the Indian team.
Based on the suggestions made by Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik, India could make a few changes to their playing XI for the fourth ODI.
This combination could give India a good balance of batting and bowling options. However, the final playing XI will depend on the team’s plans and decisions before the match.
The Indian team for the remaining two matches includes a mix of experienced players and young talents.
India’s Squad:
India will be keen to make the most of the final two matches and give opportunities to players who are looking to cement their place in the team. Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to finish the series on a positive note.
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