India vs New Zealand 2026: 3 surprise picks in India's squad
From uncapped talents to returning faces, India's squad for New Zealand has thrown up some notable surprises.
2. Kumar Kushagra
Kumar Kushagra is an uncapped wicketkeeper-batter who has earned his maiden national call-up for the New Zealand tour. He is named in the ODI squad for the last two matches of the series, where he is set to replace KL Rahul behind the stumps. For the opening three ODIs, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are the designated wicketkeeping options, with Kushagra stepping in thereafter.
The young gloveman has gained recognition through his domestic cricket performances and is regarded as a promising talent in Indian cricket circles. His selection signals that the BCCI is keen to blood new wicketkeeping talent in the ODI format. Kushagra's call-up is one of the more surprising inclusions in the squad, given that he has not previously represented India at any level of international cricket.
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