Shubman Gill's stint as India's captain in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand is coming to an end after the third match, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opting to rest several senior players ahead of the upcoming Test assignments. Shreyas Iyer will take over the leadership responsibilities for the remaining two matches of the five-game series.

The decision is part of India's workload management plans as the team prepares for a two-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning November 19. Gill, who was appointed captain for the first three ODIs, will therefore not lead the side in the fourth and fifth matches.

Why is Shubman Gill not captaining India in the last two ODIs?

The primary reason behind the change is India's preparation for the upcoming Test series. The team management and selectors have decided to give selected players from the ODI squad time to rest and prepare for the longer format.

Gill led India in the first three matches, with Shreyas Iyer serving as his deputy. With the leadership change, Iyer has been appointed captain for the final two ODIs, while wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will serve as vice-captain.

The change does not represent a permanent shift in India's ODI leadership. Instead, it is a planned arrangement for the concluding fixtures of the New Zealand tour. KL Rahul and other members of the original squad are also expected to be rested for the final two matches as India look to manage their players' workloads before the Test series.

Shreyas Iyer to lead India in fourth and fifth ODIs

Iyer's appointment gives him another opportunity to lead the national side. He has previously captained India in limited-overs cricket and has also held leadership responsibilities in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League.

The fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled to take place on November 13 and November 15 at Mount Maunganui. With Iyer taking charge, India will have an opportunity to test their leadership options and give other players valuable international exposure. Ishan Kishan's appointment as vice-captain also adds another leadership option to the squad.

India take 2-0 lead after rain abandons third ODI

India had already established control of the series by winning the first two matches. They defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the opening ODI in Auckland before securing another victory in the second match in Wellington under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

The third ODI in Hamilton, scheduled for November 10, was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain. India consequently retained their 2-0 advantage in the series. The focus will now shift to the remaining two ODIs before the two-match Test series begins on November 19.

Gill's departure from the ODI leadership role for the final fixtures is therefore a temporary arrangement, driven by India's broader preparation plans rather than an indication of a change in the team's long-term captaincy structure.