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NZ vs IND 2026: Why is Mohammed Siraj not playing in the 1st ODI?

India’s pace attack enters the five-match ODI series against New Zealand already trimmed, with experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj notably absent from the playing XI for the first match at Eden Park in Auckland. The decision comes despite Siraj’s recent involvement in an unofficial Test against New Zealand A, where he took four wickets in a closely contested game that concluded just hours before the ODI.

Team management opted to rest him, prioritizing workload management ahead of the series opener on November 4, where India will bowl first after winning the toss under captain Shubman Gill. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner welcomed the quick transition from the T20 series, while Gill emphasized the importance of the series as a preparation for the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the pitch conditions’ similarity to those expected in South Africa.

India’s bowling lineup for the match features four fast bowlers—Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, and Arshdeep Singh—alongside all-rounders Naman Dhir and Axar Patel.

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