India are expected to hand Ruturaj Gaikwad the opening responsibility alongside Rohit Sharma for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand, following Shubman Gill's departure from the squad ahead of the upcoming Test series. With Shreyas Iyer taking over the captaincy, Gaikwad will have an opportunity to strengthen his position in India's ODI setup.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Gets Opening Opportunity in Gill's Absence
Gill has left the ODI squad to prepare for India's upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19 in Wellington. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj have also departed to focus on their red-ball preparations.
In Gill's absence, Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan are the two leading contenders to partner Rohit at the top. However, Gaikwad could get the nod, giving India an opportunity to assess his capabilities as an opening batter.
The Maharashtra batter has scored 329 runs in 12 ODIs at an average of 36.56 and a strike rate of 86.81, including one century and two half-centuries. He has batted at No. 1 in four ODI innings, scoring 88 runs at an average of 22, with a highest score of 71.
Shreyas Iyer Takes Over Captaincy from Shubman Gill
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer will captain India for the first time in ODIs, taking charge for the final two matches. Gill's departure for Test preparations has opened the door for Iyer to lead the side.
The middle-order batter will also be keen to deliver with the bat after facing difficulties against short-pitched deliveries during the series. India currently lead 2-0 after the third ODI was abandoned due to rain.
When Does the Next India vs New Zealand ODI Begin?
The fourth ODI will take place on Friday, November 13, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM IST.
India will look to seal the series before shifting their attention to the two-Test contest beginning November 19.
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