A new-look T20I squad captained by Hardik Pandya will host New Zealand in a three-match T20I series from January 27 to February 1. There are plenty of changes in the T20I side as compared to the ODI team and even the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma won’t feature in the series. The selection committee has completely overhauled the T20I side after the 2022 World Cup and some players who were part of that team haven’t played a single T20I since then.
There’s a clear indication that India want to build a new T20I side and the seniors will have to perform in IPL to make their comebacks. Suryakumar Yadav is part of the leadership group in T20Is and will assist Hardik in the series. As India now gear up for the three-match T20I series, we take a look at the list of players who were part of the ODI team but haven’t been selected in the T20I side for the New Zealand series.
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the top two players who will not feature in the T20I series. Speaking to the press on the eve of the 3rd ODI, India head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that they have been rested and not dropped. The doors are definitely not shut on them and the star performers can make their T20I returns.
Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed and KS Bharat, who didn’t feature in any of the games, aren’t part of the T20I side. Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami have been dropped while it looks like Siraj has been rested. The right-arm pacer will hold the key to India’s success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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After a long wait of more than a year, Prithvi Shaw made his comeback in the national side and replaced KL Rahul for the T20I series. Shaw will be a strong contender to feature in the playing XI. He will face stiff competition from Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is also vying for the opening position.
Rahul Tripathi will join the T20I team along with Deepak Hooda, Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar and Jitesh Sharma. Tripathi showcased his class in the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka and slammed 35 off just 16 balls. He looks like a confirmed selection in the final XI.
Mavi and Arshdeep also look set to feature in the XI. Mukesh and Jitesh, who were on the bench against Sri Lanka, might have to wait for their chance. Mukesh has also been part of the ODI team but is uncapped. The duo might get a chance to wear their debut T20I cap if India seal the series early.
