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Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is likely to get his maiden call-up to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand next month. The India National Cricket Team is scheduled to travel to New Zealand later this month to play 5 T20Is, 5 ODIs, and 3 Tests.
Shedge has already played three T20Is for India, but he is yet to make his debut in the 50-over format. His recent performances have strengthened his chances of selection, especially as the Indian team needs more all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Suryansh Shedge set for maiden India ODI call-up after impressive India A show
As reported by PTI, Mumbai’s young all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is highly likely to be picked in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Shedge strengthened his chances after impressing with both bat and ball in the recent India A series against Australia A.
The young all-rounder played three unofficial ODIs for India A against Australia A in Puducherry last week. He picked up four wickets in the first match and then scored a half-century in the third game on Sunday, October 11, and helped India A win the match against Australia A.
Shedge’s improvement in medium-pace bowling has reportedly caught the attention of interim selection committee chairman Pragyan Ojha and other selectors during the unofficial ODI games. Amid this, Career-best ranking for Shreyas Iyer as India dominate the ICC T20I Rankings.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s workload could open door for Suryansh Shedge
Suryansh Shedge could be handed the maiden ODI call-up mainly because Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to play all five ODIs in New Zealand. Reddy is expected to focus on preparing for the crucial Test series, where he will play an important role as the fourth fast bowler and a batting option in the lower order.
Like Reddy, Shedge can bowl at a medium pace and bat in the middle order. This makes the Mumbai star an attractive option for the selectors as they look to manage the workload of their key players on the tough multi-format tour of New Zealand, starting with the first T20I on October 22.
India may pick bigger ODI squad amid Hardik Pandya’s injury woes and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s workload
India has been looking for reliable all-rounder options because of Hardik Pandya’s repeated injuries. Nitish Kumar Reddy is another important option, but he has also faced injury problems during his short career and remains important for India's upcoming Test assignments.
The schedule could also play a major role in the selection decision. The five-match ODI series against New Zealand will begin in Auckland on November 4, with the final match scheduled in Tauranga on November 15. The first Test will then start in Wellington on November 19.
With November 16 set aside for travel, Indian players will have only two practice sessions, on November 17 and 18, before the three-match Test series begins. This tight schedule could force the selectors to choose a larger ODI squad so that players preparing for the Tests get enough rest and preparation time. The announcement of the ODI squad has reportedly been delayed.
