India vs New Zealand ODI series starts today at Eden Park; Ravindra and Chapman ruled out as India chase first ODI win in NZ since 2019
Shubman Gill leads India in the first of five ODIs at Auckland's Eden Park. New Zealand are without Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, Matt Henry is doubtful, and India have lost Prasidh Krishna to a hamstring injury, with Auqib Nabi called up.
India begin a five-match ODI series against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland today, hoping to end a long wait: they have not won an ODI in New Zealand since February 2019, and New Zealand won the last two bilateral series 2-0 and 1-0.
The hosts are hit by injuries. Rachin Ravindra is out after dislocating his shoulder in a freak accident at a promotional shoot, and Mark Chapman is sidelined with a left hamstring strain. Fast bowler Matt Henry is doubtful for the first three games with a tight calf. Henry Nicholls has been recalled, and Matthew Fisher added as cover. "Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side," New Zealand coach Rob Walter said.
Shubman Gill captains India in the first three matches, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad, before Shreyas Iyer takes over for the last two. Pacer Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by Auqib Nabi, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is available only for the opener. Mohammed Siraj's availability for today is uncertain as he was playing for India A in Wellington until Tuesday.
After Auckland, the series moves to Wellington on November 7, Hamilton on November 10 and Tauranga on November 13 and 15. A two-Test series follows, starting November 19.
Source: SportsTak, ICC, Outlook India. Photo: TimBray / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
