Mohammed Siraj returns for fifth ODI against New Zealand as Yash Thakur debuts
The experienced pacer makes his first appearance of the series while right-arm seamer Yash Thakur earns his first cap at Mount Maunganui.
Mohammed Siraj returned to the Indian side for the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. According to The Times of India, this is Siraj's first appearance in the current series, having last played an ODI against the West Indies in October.
India captain Shreyas Iyer stated at the toss that Siraj is an experienced player who has been around the team for a while. Iyer added that the team is excited for him as he has been seeking opportunities to play in all formats.
The Indian team also handed a debut to right-arm seamer Yash Thakur. Iyer described Thakur as a jovial person who has been in the scheme of things for some time and expressed his hope that Thakur proves himself.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl first in the match that decides the series. India currently leads the five-match series 2-1, though they lost the fourth match on Friday by 244 runs after the third game was washed out.
Gurnoor Brar for India, along with Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson for New Zealand, will miss the final match. These players are preparing for a two-Test series starting on November 19.