IND vs NZ ODIs: Could Shubman Gill's absence open the door for Ruturaj Gaikwad?

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Pic: X/@ICC)

Team India is set to lock horns with New Zealand in the fourth and fifth ODI matches against New Zealand.

Ahead of the fourth and fifth ODI matches against New Zealand, India will have a change in leadership, with Shreyas Iyer set to captain the side in the remaining two matches in place of Shubman Gill.

With Gill unavailable for the final two ODIs, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was not included in India's playing XI for the first three matches, could get an opportunity. However, the right-handed batter will need to make the most of his chance if selected, as the remaining matches will be important for players looking to strengthen their claims for a place in the ODI setup.

Gaikwad will be expected to deliver a strong performance and make a case for himself in the team. With the ODI World Cup 2027 on the horizon, the series also offers players an opportunity to establish themselves in India's plans for the tournament.

Consistent performances could help Gaikwad strengthen his claim for a regular place in India's middle-order batting line-up.

Currently, the "Men in Blue" have been leading the five-match ODI series by 2-0 against the "Black Caps". The third ODI match between the teams was abandoned due to persistent rain. It will be interesting to see if the hosts manage to secure win in the fourth match to keep the series alive. On the other hand, the visitors will look to seal the series by registering a win in the fourth clash.

IND vs NZ ODIs: Full squads

India's squad for the 4th and 5th ODIs: Shreyas Iyer [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan [WK, VC], Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav.

New Zealand's squad for the fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert (WK), Will Young.

New Zealand's squad for the fifth ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert (WK), Blair Tickner, Will Young.