India’s squad announced for the T20I series against New Zealand, Hardik Pandya to lead the team

India: (Image Source: Twitter)

Amidst the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022, the Indian Cricket Board have announced India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. It is worth mentioning that the Indian team will be playing the T20I series right after the World Cup. 

Interestingly, the selectors have made some major changes in the squad to the one currently playing in Australia. All the senior players in the current squad, namely Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin have been rested. 

Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya will lead the team, while Rishabh Pant is set to be his deputy. India’s man in form, Suryakumar Yadav will strengthen the batting unit, alongside the likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Hooda.  

Notably, hard-hitter, Prithvi Shaw continues to be out of the selectors’ scheme of things as far as the T20Is are concerned. 

Young pace sensation, Umran Malik has been added to the squad and will be one of the players to watch out for. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will continue to lead the pace-bowling department. The likes of Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh retain their places as well. Spinners, namely Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal mark their return in the shortest format. 

Here’s a look at the India’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand:

Hardik Pandya (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & wk), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), W Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik.

 Apart from the T20I series, the Indian Cricket Board announced the squad for the ODIs as well. Shikhar Dhawan continues to lead the side, while Rishabh Pant will be the vice-captain.  

India ODI squad for New Zealand Tour

ODI Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Rishabh Pant (VC), Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Sen, Umran Malik.