India against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday, 15 November Fifth and final ODI Has made a significant change in his playing XI for. left-handed wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been excluded, while the experienced fast bowler mohammed siraj Has been included in the team.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bowl first. India fast bowler Yash Thakur Has been given the opportunity to debut, while Siraj has also returned to the playing XI.
Mohammed Siraj replaced Kuldeep Yadav
The main reason for Kuldeep not playing in the fifth ODI is the change in team composition. India has included Siraj in the squad to strengthen its fast bowling attack for the final match.
captain of india Shreyas Iyer confirmed the change at the toss, stating that Siraj has waited for the opportunity to play in all formats and that he has significant international experience.
Regarding Siraj's inclusion, Iyer said:
“Obviously Siraj was also looking for an opportunity to play in all formats. He has been in the team for a while and is quite experienced. He has played over the years, so he knows how to do things. We are very excited for him as well.”
The decision has been taken after a tough performance for Kuldeep in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui. The spinner gave away 73 runs in eight overs and took no wickets, while New Zealand scored 333 runs. India then suffered a massive defeat of 244 runs when they were all out for just 89 runs.
Kuldeep out of test series against New Zealand
Kuldeep has informed the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) that he will be available for the three matches of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Mumbai. The update comes just five days before India's first Test against New Zealand, after the team management released the senior wrist-spinner from the red-ball squad on Saturday.
According to the BCCI, Kuldeep – who has featured in only one of the 10 white-ball games on the tour so far – is returning home to get significant game time in domestic cricket. He is expected to join the UP team for the three T20 matches starting after November 21. Meanwhile, Punjab's fast bowler Gurnoor Brarwho has been part of the ODI setup on this tour, has been included in the Test squad in his place. Kuldeep has had a disappointing tour, sitting out all five T20Is – a series which India won (3-2) – and the first three ODIs, with the third match abandoned due to rain.