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Key Takeaways
- 1đź“Š Gill ODI avg 46+, leads star squad vs NZ
- 2🏆 Iyer VC return pending fitness; Gaikwad/Tilak axed
- 3đź’ˇ Pant, Kohli, Jadeja core for CT 2027 prep
- 4đź”® Tests bench for packed white-ball calendar
- 5đź’¬ BCCI eyes experience over domestic tons
"The Zimbabwean all-rounder featured in his first SA20 game on Friday, just days after the death of his 13-year-old brother"
Shubman Gill returns as captain with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain for India's three-match ODI series against New Zealand, pending fitness clearance for Iyer's spleen injury. The squad blends youth and experience: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and pacers like Mohammed Siraj. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma miss out despite Vijay Hazare tons, signaling selectors' faith in proven stars. Crucial for 2027 Champions Trophy prep amid packed white-ball calendar.
Gill, 26, boasts ODI average 46+ with 5,000+ runs, captaining Gujarat Titans to IPL glory; missed SA series via neck injury. Iyer's middle-order mastery (ODI avg 42, SR 105) returns post-Sydney setback from October. India tops ODI rankings, but post-Champions Trophy rebuild eyes consistency. Pant retains spot over Ishan Kishan, underlining his X-factor (SR 130+).
Injury Comebacks Reshape Lineup
Gill-Iyer axis mirrors Ganguly-Dravid stability; Gill's 27 in Tests as opener translates to ODIs (strike rate 95+). Washington Sundar adds spin all-round depth (economy 4.8). Exclusions despite Gaikwad's 170* underline form vs experience—similar to 2023 ODI WC picks. Squad's pace trio (Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep) took 50+ wickets last year, primed for Kiwi conditions.
Selection Signals White-Ball Rebuild
Boosts India's subcontinent dominance; NZ series tests bench strength pre-CT. Kohli's 14,000+ ODI runs anchor, while Jaiswal's emergence (avg 55) adds flair. Impacts standings chase, with eyes on bilateral supremacy.
"Shreyas Iyer will make his return... subject to fitness clearance." – **BCCI Selectors via Cricbuzz"
Road to Champions Trophy Heats Up
Series opener looms; track Gill's leadership vs NZ's swing attack. Will Iyer fire? Vital for squad finalization—don't miss this blueprint for India's 2027 glory.
