India is set to play a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara. Veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back in action, and Shreyas Iyer will make his international comeback after recovering from an injury sustained in Australia in October last year.

On the eve of the match, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan picked his playing XI for the first ODI. In a surprising move, Pathan dropped KL Rahul and included Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batter. Pathan also mentioned that Kuldeep Yadav could replace either Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana in the XI, with Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack.

Despite Nitish Kumar Reddy’s relatively underwhelming white-ball career so far, Pathan kept the young all-rounder in his squad. Pathan suggested that the selectors and team management should show patience with Reddy, as there are very few fast-bowling all-rounders who can bowl at speeds close to 130 kmph.

Pathan’s predicted XI for India against New Zealand is: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana/Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh/Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

Explaining his choice of Pant over Rahul, Pathan said, “If you want to experiment, this is your time. You wouldn’t get that opportunity later. KL Rahul has already cemented his spot at number four or five, and he has shown flexibility in his batting. Rahul should be rested, and Rishabh Pant should get a chance. He’s a match-winner in Test cricket. You've brought him from the longest format to ODIs—this is your time to give him an opportunity.”

India's full ODI squad vs New Zealand includes: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja.