Shreyas Iyer named in India squad for NZ series; Hardik ruled out, Siraj returns

Shreyas Iyer, who suffered a spleen laceration and was hospitalised during India’s ODI series in Australia in November, has been included in the squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against New Zealand. However, his selection is subject to fitness clearance. Iyer will need to prove his match fitness in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this month to obtain clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE).

The selection committee also sprung a few surprises while announcing the squad, with senior pacer Mohammed Siraj making a return to the ODI setup. Siraj, who was overlooked for the home series against South Africa, has earned a recall for the New Zealand series.

Meanwhile, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was left out after failing to receive clearance from the COE to bowl 10 overs in a match. Ruturaj Gaikwad could not get the selectors' nod after scoring a fine hundred during the South Africa series.

The team will be led by Shubman Gill, with Iyer set to be the vice-captain, subject to him proving his fitness.

Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retained their places in the squad, while KL Rahul will serve as the wicketkeeper. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was widely expected to be dropped, has also been included in the team.

The three-match ODI series will begin in Vadodara on January 11, with the remaining two matches scheduled to be played in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively.

India ODI squad for NZ series: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC; subject to fitness clearance), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.