Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah set to miss the New Zealand ODIs; Here is the reason

Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya and premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be benched for the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand.

Following an online conference amongst the members of the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, the BCCI selection committee is scheduled to reveal the Indian team for the New Zealand ODIs on either January 3 or 4.  

Over the years, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have been two of Indian cricket's pioneers. Pandya and Bumrah became essential members of the Indian team after making their debuts during the country's 2016 tour of Australia.  

Pandya is India's first-choice all-rounder in white-ball cricket, while Bumrah is the cornerstone of the Indian bowling department across formats.

Why will Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah not be part of the Indian squad for the New Zealand ODIs?

India and New Zealand will play three ODIs and five T20Is starting January 11. The three-ODI series will begin on January 11, with the first ODI to be played in Vadodara. The second ODI will be played on January 14 in Rajkot, while the third and final ODI will be played in Indore on January 18.

Bumrah and Pandya, however, are unlikely to be included in India's team for the New Zealand ODIs, which is scheduled to be published in the first week of January, according to a Cricbuzz report.  

According to the article, the Indian think tank intends to control Bumrah and Pandya's workloads prior to the T20 World Cup. The hosts of the T20 World Cup do not want these two players to play in the insignificant New Zealand ODIs because of how important they are to India in the shortest format.

Throughout their careers, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have experienced numerous injury setbacks. Therefore, a month before the T20 World Cup, the management of the Indian team does not want to jeopardize their fitness.  

In order to get ready for the World Cup, Pandya and Bumrah will probably not be selected for the ODI series and instead play in the five-match T20I series that follows.  

In accordance with the BCCI directive requiring involvement in domestic games, Pandya is scheduled to participate in Baroda's Vijay Hazare Trophy matches on January 3, 6, and 8, while Bumrah will probably make his cricket comeback during the T20I series against New Zealand.

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