New Zealand vs India 2019: BCCI Announces 15-Men Squad For T20I Series, MS Dhoni Returns

Well, here comes the exciting news for Indian fans, as BCCI announced T20I squad for the upcoming Kiwis tour. As ever, they once again named quite a few surprising names on the paper to invite all the debates. In particular, the major headliner of the squad is the addition of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. MS Dhoni was given rest in a previous couple of T20I series.

Virat Kohli will be leading the side while Rohit Sharma will continue his role in assisting Virat Kohli. What came as a surprise was the inclusion of Three wicketkeepers in the side. Perhaps, one between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant was considered as the batsman.

MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav returns:

For the opening section, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will take the roles while KL Rahul, Virat Kohli will keep exchanging their roles as per the requirements of the game.

For middle order, they have got quite a few options in the name of Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni. Another major surprise in the squad was the inclusion of Kedar Jadhav, who was always an injury-prone player.

The stunning performance in the final T20I of the series against Australia helped Krunal Pandya retain his place ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.  His brother Hardik Pandya, who regained his fitness also make a comeback.

And the spin duo, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the certain players in the squad while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed will be taking the fast bowlers role.

India will be playing 3 T20I games against New Zealand starting from February 6th. It will be followed by the games on February 8th and 10th. Before T20I series, they will lock horns in 5-match ODI series.

Here is the squad:

Virat(Capt), Rohit (VC), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed

India’s squad for T20I series against New Zealand: Virat(Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2018