Tue Nov 12 13:27:49 UTC 2024: ## India to field a 16-member squad for New Zealand T20 series, Suryakumar Yadav likely to lead
**Mumbai, India:** Team India is set to travel to New Zealand for a T20 series in November, with a potential announcement of the squad expected soon. The series will serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup and an opportunity for the team to avenge their recent home series defeat against the Kiwis.
While official dates for the series haven’t been announced yet, speculation is rife that Suryakumar Yadav could lead the team, taking over the captaincy reins from Rohit Sharma. Furthermore, India’s two pace spearheads, Umran Malik and Mayank Yadav, are likely to be included in the squad.
Mayank was sidelined from the recent South Africa tour due to injury after playing in the Bangladesh T20 series, while Umran, despite impressive performances, was dropped from the team due to a slump in form. This tour offers both fast bowlers a chance to reclaim their place in the national team.
The series is expected to see a strong focus on all-rounders, given their importance in T20 cricket. With several players vying for a spot, a pool of all-rounders will be given an opportunity to showcase their versatility.
India’s recent home test series loss to New Zealand was a major setback, ending their undefeated run at home and marking the first time a team has been clean-swept under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
The potential Indian T20 squad for the New Zealand series includes:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Nitish Reddy, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, Umran Malik, Abdul Samad, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh.
First Piper 