Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 7: India have announced their 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain and veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar making his return to the format after nearly four years.

Bhuvneshwar last represented India in T20Is in November 2022. His experience and ability to generate swing are expected to add strength to India’s pace attack in New Zealand conditions.

The squad includes Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Spinner Ravi Bishnoi has missed out on the 16-member squad, while Washington Sundar, who was earlier withdrawn from the West Indies series, is also absent.

Bhuvneshwar joins Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav in the pace department, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav form the main spin options.

Naman Dhir, who replaced Sundar in the West Indies series, retains his place and adds to an all-rounder group featuring Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

India’s top order, comprising Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, will look to make an impact in the five-match series.

The first T20I will be played in Christchurch on October 22, followed by the second match in Christchurch on October 24. The third T20I will be held in Wellington on October 27, the fourth in Auckland on October 30 and the fifth in Hamilton on November 1.