India vs New Zealand: Star India batsman ruled out of ODI series, BCCI names replacement

Team India has received a major setback before upcoming first ODI against New Zealand. Star Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of ODI series due to back. BCCI confirmed news and has named Rajat Patidar as replacement. Shreyas Iyer has been in magical form in last 6 months and has performed brilliantly for India across 3 formats. Team India play first ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday in Hyderabad.

IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer ruled out

"Team India batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of upcoming 3-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a back injury. He will be heading to National Cricket Academy (NCA) for furr assessment and manment. All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Rajat Patidar as replacement for Shreyas Iyer," BCCI said in a statement. 

Shreyas Iyer has been one of key performers for Team India in last six months and has scored across all three formats. In recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, he played several supportive kcks, especially in second ODI. Shreyas Iyer is also a dependable batsman and one of most important players in Indian middle order. Team India will certainly feel Shreyas Iyer's absence in upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

Talking about his replacement, Rajat Patidar has been performing exceptionally well in both domestic cricket and for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL. Rajat Patidar has been a part of Team India many times but never got a chance to play in eleven. However, it is t likely that Rajat Patidar will get a chance to play against New Zealand.

India will play New Zealand in first ODI in Hyderabad on 18th January. While New Zealand are high on confidence by beating Pakistan on ir home soil, India are also in great form after clean sweeping Sri Lanka.

India’s updated ODI squad against New Zealand:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.