Shreyas Iyer Back in India XI, Mohammed Siraj Returns for Vadodara ODI
Shreyas Iyer makes a welcome return to India’s white-ball side for the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara, while pacer Mohammed Siraj is back in the playing XI after missing recent matches. The changes add experience and balance to a batting line-up and give India extra firepower with the new ball.
What the changes mean
Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion strengthens the middle order. Iyer brings composure and the ability to accelerate the innings in the 30–45 over phase, a period where many matches are decided. His return allows the team more flexibility with batting positions depending on match situations.
Mohammed Siraj’s return bolsters the pace attack. Siraj’s ability to swing the ball and bowl fast spells up front gives India an attacking option, particularly on pitches that offer seam movement. His presence takes some pressure off the other frontline quicks and gives the captain more options with the new ball.
Team balance and tactical outlook
- Batting depth: With Iyer back, India can push one of the middle-order hitters up or slot him in at No. 4 to anchor while others attack.
- Seam attack: Siraj’s return complements the strike bowlers and provides a plan for early breakthroughs, especially in helpful overhead or green conditions.
- All-round options: If selectors keep both pace and spin options, India will have the flexibility to adjust depending on the pitch and weather.
Full Playing XIs
India (Playing XI)
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand (Playing XI)
- Tom Latham (c)
- Will Young
- Finn Allen
- Daryl Mitchell
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Henry Nicholls
- Mitchell Santner
- Tim Southee
- Lockie Ferguson
- Trent Boult
Key matchups to watch
- Shreyas Iyer vs Trent Boult: Iyer’s technique against Boult’s angled new-ball deliveries could set the tone for the middle overs.
- Rohit Sharma vs Tim Southee: Rohit’s record against New Zealand seamers and his ability to handle early swing will be crucial.
- Mohammed Siraj vs Finn Allen/Glenn Phillips: Siraj’s pace and pinpoint short-ball plan could test the aggressive stroke-makers early.
Final thought
The inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj injects experience and balance into India’s XI for the Vadodara ODI. Both players bring different strengths — Iyer with calm, composed middle-order batting and Siraj with attacking pace — making this first game an intriguing contest as India look to set the tone for the series against a competitive New Zealand side.