India New Zealand squads: Akash Deep returns, Iyer to lead last two ODIs

The India New Zealand squads announced by the BCCI on Friday cover five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand in November, with Akash Deep returning to the Test team. Shubman Gill will captain the opening three ODIs before Shreyas Iyer takes charge for the remaining two.

Akash Deep is returning after recovering from a stress fracture and resuming domestic cricket. Anshul Kamboj has also regained a Test place, while Gurnoor Brar has been left out of that squad.

Mohammed Shami has not earned a recall despite taking five wickets for Bengal against Delhi in their Ranji Trophy opener at Kalyani. The selection leaves him outside the Test group for the two-match assignment.

Test returnees and ODI leadership

Jasprit Bumrah is included for the Tests after missing recent white-ball assignments. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has been selected subject to fitness clearance, with reports differing in their description of his injury.

Gill will lead the Test side, with KL Rahul serving as deputy. The opening Test starts in Wellington on November 19, followed by the Christchurch match on November 27.

The India New Zealand squads retain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for all five ODIs. Iyer will initially be vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan takes that role when Iyer assumes the captaincy for the fourth and fifth games.

Kumar Kushagra has received his first senior India call-up for those final two ODIs. Yash Thakur has also earned a first ODI selection, while Tilak Varma and Auqib Nabi feature in that group.

The ODI series opens in Auckland on November 4. Wellington hosts the second match on November 7, Hamilton the third on November 10, and Mount Maunganui stages the closing games on November 13 and 15.

Also read: West Indies India decider: Sammy praises progress despite financial setbacks | Khangurra reaches world junior badminton semis, secures medal for India

#INDvNZ #AkashDeep #ShreyasIyer #TeamIndia