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Gill, Bumrah, and other stars to miss last two ODIs in New Zealand tour: What's the reason?
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News18•20-09-2026, 20:51
Gill, Bumrah, and other stars to miss last two ODIs in New Zealand tour: What's the reason?
- •India's upcoming tour of New Zealand (Oct-Dec 2026) features five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches.
- •The extremely tight schedule created by the BCCI has put the Indian team management in a difficult situation, potentially requiring a second-string squad for the last two ODIs.
- •A mere four-day gap between the final ODIs and the first Test poses significant physical and mental risks for players.
- •Key players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul may be rested from the last two ODIs to prioritize Test series preparation.
- •The schedule has drawn intense criticism regarding BCCI officials, with experts suggesting a different T20I placement could have avoided the crisis.
Key Questions Answered
Star players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested from the final two ODIs to allow adequate preparation time for the upcoming Test series, as only four days separate the conclusion of the ODI matches and the first Test in Wellington.
In the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, experienced batter and team vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is likely to lead the Indian team for the final two ODIs held in Mount Maunganui.
The coaching staff will be split into two groups, with two coaches staying back for the final two ODIs while the remaining two travel early to Wellington to begin preparations for the first Test.
