Bumrah and Akash Deep return to India Test squad for New Zealand
Bumrah and Akash Deep return to India's Test squad for New Zealand as Shami is left out.
Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep have been named in India's 16-member squad for the two-Test series in New Zealand. Akash returns after an eight-month injury layoff following strong performances in the Irani Cup and the opening round of the Ranji Trophy.
Mohammed Shami was omitted despite taking five wickets for Bengal last week. Rishabh Pant is included subject to fitness clearance, while Shubman Gill will captain and KL Rahul will serve as vice-captain.
Gill, Rahul, Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj will play the first three ODIs before being rested for the final two matches to prepare for the Tests starting in Wellington on 19 November.
CricHubb Take
The decision to rest key players for the last two ODIs underlines that India now ranks the two-Test series in New Zealand as the decisive phase of its World Test Championship campaign.