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IND vs NZ Last 2 ODIs: The ODI series between India and New Zealand has reached a decisive stage. The fourth match of the series is set to be played at Bay Oval (Tauranga), with the Indian team currently leading 2-0. However, ahead of this encounter, the biggest question on the minds of cricket fans concerns Indian captain Shubman Gill, who will not be seen playing in the final two matches of the series (the fourth and fifth ODIs).
Shubman Gill Out of Final 2 ODIs
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Shubman Gill’s absence from the final two matches is not due to any sudden injury or poor form. When the BCCI announced the squad for the tour, it was already clarified that Gill would only be available for the first three ODIs.
Key Reasons Behind Shubman Gill's Absence:
- World Test Championship (WTC) Preparation: Immediately following the ODI series, India and New Zealand are set to play a crucial two-match Test series, which holds significant importance for the ICC World Test Championship.
- Test Captaincy Responsibility: Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team in the upcoming Test series.
- Workload Management: He has been rested for the final two ODIs to ensure better preparation for the Test series and to manage the players' overall workload.
Shreyas Iyer to Lead Team India in Final Two ODIs
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In the absence of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the new captain of Team India for the fourth and fifth ODIs.
Iyer has significant captaincy experience, and the responsibility of securing the series for India will rest on his shoulders.Also Read: India A Updated Squad for ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: Patidar Out
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI Abandoned Due to Rain in Hamilton
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The third match of the series was held in Hamilton, where captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first. However, persistent rain prevented New Zealand’s innings from even beginning, forcing the match to be abandoned.
Prior to this, India had won the T20 series 3-2 and established an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series following a victory determined via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the second match. The fourth ODI, to be played at Bay Oval (Tauranga), will now be a 'do-or-die' encounter for the hosts, New Zealand.
India Squad for Last 2 ODIs vs New Zealand
Following the withdrawal of Shubman Gill, the 16-member Indian squad selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs is as follows:
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan, Kumar Kushagra
- All-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel
- Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Aaqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar
Also Read: IPL 2027 Traded Players List: Mega Swaps & Transfer Fees
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