New Zealand vs India: Hosts make two changes to their 14-man squad for the last two ODIs

New Zealand have already lost the ODI series against India by conceding the 0-3 lead to the visitors. They couldn’t come close to the Men in Blue in any of the matches. But there doesn’t seem to be any panic in the Kiwi camp ahead of the World Cup even after losing the series. They are looking at the bigger picture and have made a couple of changes to the squad for the last two ODIs of the five-match series.

Ish Sodhi and Doug Bracewell have been dropped from the team while James Neesham and Todd Astle have replaced them. Both the returning players missed the first three matches due to injury and it seems they will walk back into the side. The Kiwis will be looking to salvage some pride by winning the last two matches of the series even as Team India has rested their skipper Virat Kohli.

Selectors keeping the options open

The chief selector Gavin Larsen singled out Ish Sodhi and Doug Bracewell as two positives of the series so far and clarified that they want to try all the options before the World Cup.

“Doug and Ish have been two of the brighter spots of the ODI series so far and we’ve been encouraged by their performances against a quality Indian side. It’s great to welcome back the all-round skills of Jimmy and Todd and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the series.

“We’re still looking to keep our options open with selections at this stage and ensure we continue to learn as much as we can about our players,” he said.

New Zealand squad for the last two ODIs: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

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