Why is Shubman Gill captaining India for the last time in ODI series in New Zealand

Shubman Gill and Mitchell Santner (Photo AFP) NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill is leading India for the last time in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The third ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday is his last match as both captain and player in the five-match series.Gill will miss the fourth and fifth ODIs as the BCCI decided to rest some key players ahead of the two-Test series against New Zealand.After a two-hour delay due to rain and a wet pitch, India won the toss and elected to bowl in the third ODI. The visitors, who lead the series 2-0, are looking to complete the clean sheet.Rain also affected the first two matches. India won the opening ODI in Auckland by five wickets while chasing a revised DLS target of 143 in 22.2 overs.In the second ODI in Wellington, India were declared winners by DLS after rain stopped play with the visitors at 113/7 while chasing 135. India were four runs short of the even DLS score at this stage.

Why is Shubman Gill playing his last match of the ODI series?

The BCCI has announced separate squads for the first three and last two ODIs against New Zealand. A decision was taken to manage the workload of key players ahead of the Test series.Gill has been named captain for the first three ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer will take charge of the team in the last two matches.BCCI also named Iyer as vice-captain for the first three matches and Ishan Kishan as vice-captain for the last two ODIs.Gill along with KL Rahul and some other key players will not be part of the squad for the remaining two matches. They will get time to prepare for the upcoming Test series.

Tight schedule ahead of India and New Zealand Tests

The fourth and fifth ODIs will be played on November 13 and 15 at Mount Maunganui.The first Test of the two-match series will begin on November 19 at Basin Reserve in Wellington.This leaves the Indian players with just four days between the last ODI and the start of the Test series. The short gap makes workload management important, especially for players who are expected to perform in both formats.The two-Test series is also important for India’s chances of reaching the final of the World Test Championship. The team management will want their key players fresh and ready for the longer format.

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