3 players who were part of Sri Lanka series but will not feature against New Zealand

India are ready to lock horns with New Zealand for a white-ball series on their home turf, starting with the ODIs on January 18. After the 50-over leg, the focus will turn to the shortest format from January 27. Rohit Sharma will be India’s commander-in-chief in the ODIs while Hardik Pandya will lead the side in the T20Is.

As India bid to conquer the Blackcaps, they have picked a well-rounded side with a nice blend of youth and experience. However, certain key players who were part of the white-ball series against Sri Lanka will not feature in their forthcoming white-ball assignment against New Zealand.

3. Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been a proven performer for India in the white-ball circuit. The 28-year-old has strangled batters with his impeccable lines and lengths and provided his side with timely breakthroughs. With the bat, he has played crucial knocks slotting in at lower down the order.

Axar has featured in 49 ODIs and bagged 56 scalps at an economy of 4.44. On the batting front, the 28-year-old has smashed 381 runs at a strike rate of 105.24. In the T20Is, he has picked up 37 scalps in 40 matches and hammered 288 runs at a stunning strike rate of 152.38.

The Gujarat-born displayed his batting might in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He smashed 117 runs in three matches at a superb strike rate of 195.00 and took three scalps in those outings. However, the ace all-rounder would not feature in the forthcoming white-ball series against New Zealand as he has taken a break from international cricket due to family commitments.