Mount Maunganui, November 15 (Yes Punjab News)
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the fifth and deciding ODI at Bay Oval on Sunday. India handed fast bowler Yash Thakur his international ODI debut, while Mohammed Siraj returned to the playing XI.
India are aiming for their maiden away ODI series triumph under head coach Gautam Gambhir, while New Zealand are looking to avoid their first home bilateral 50-over series defeat in seven years.
Thakur, who has played four T20 Internationals for India, replaces Gurnoor Brar, who has joined the Test squad for preparations in Wellington. Siraj comes in for left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
India captain Shreyas Iyer said Thakur had been waiting for an opportunity to represent the country and expressed confidence in the debutant. He also welcomed Siraj’s return, highlighting the pacer’s experience and readiness to play across formats.
Reflecting on India’s recovery after their 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI, when they were bowled out for just 89, Iyer said the team had focused on recovering physically and mentally after spending 50 overs in the field.
He added that the pitch appeared to offer encouraging conditions for batting, giving India confidence ahead of the contest.
New Zealand will be without fast bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who have joined the Test squad. Captain Mitchell Santner confirmed that Blair Tickner and Jacob Duffy had been included in the playing XI.
Santner said the possibility of showers and dew later in the day influenced the decision to bowl first. He also described the changes as part of the team’s effort to rotate players and build bowling depth in a World Cup year.
Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Yash Thakur.
New Zealand: Will Young, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher.
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