Martin Guptill ruled out of New Zealand side vs India
What's the story
New Zealand have just suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Indian cricket team in the recently-concluded ODI series between the two teams. Now, the Black Caps have suffered another major blow in the form of Martin Guptill, who has been declared unfit to feature in their three-match T20 series against India. Read on for further details.
Gary Stead
What has New Zealand coach Gary Stead said?
Regarding the situation, Black Caps' coach Gary Stead said that Guptill has failed to recuperate from an injury which he suffered before the two sides played their fifth ODI match. However, Stead is sure that Guptill will return to the squad when the Kiwis take on Bangladesh in an ODI series that starts next week. The three-match series against Bangladesh starts from February 13.
Replacement
Who has been selected as Guptill's replacement in the series?
All-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been chosen as Guptill's replacement in the T20 series against India. Neesham earlier scripted a dream return to the squad in New Zealand's series against Sri Lanka in January 2019, after being called up for the national team after 18 months. In the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Neesham took three wickets and also scored 47 runs.
Information
What is the New Zealand squad for the T20 series?
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
Series
Series details and future matches of both sides
The T20I series between India and New Zealand commences on February 6 (Wellington), followed by ties on February 8 (Auckland), and February 10 (Hamilton). After the series ends, India, before the 2019 World Cup, will be facing Australia at home, which will comprise of two T20 and five ODI matches. New Zealand, too, have a series of three Tests and ODIs each against Bangladesh.