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Pant Likely Out, Shami Could Return as India Finalizes ODI Squad for New Zealand Series

Mumbai, India – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are meeting today to finalize the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with some significant changes expected.

Sources indicate that wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is likely to be omitted from the squad. Meanwhile, veteran pace bowler Mohammed Shami could be in line for a return to the ODI setup.

The series, scheduled to begin on January 11th in Vadodara, represents the final bilateral ODI contest for the Indian team before the focus shifts to T20 internationals. With the T20 World Cup starting on February 7th, the team is prioritizing preparations for the shorter format.

Speculation suggests that key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya might be rested during the ODI series to ensure they are fresh for the subsequent five-match T20I series against the same opponent.

The ODI series will move on to Rajkot (January 14th) and conclude in Indore (January 18th). Fans are eagerly awaiting the official squad announcement to see the final composition of the team.

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