Why is KL Rahul not playing in NZ vs IND 4th ODI?
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KL Rahul scored crucial runs to help India win the 2nd NZ vs IND ODI in Wellington.
The third ODI match between New Zealand and India was rained out without a ball being bowled. It has made the equation even harder for New Zealand. They lost the first two matches, and after the washed out third game, they are not in a position to win the series.
The maximum they can do is to level the series. The fourth ODI is being played at Bay Oval on November 13. New Zealand are yet to taste a defeat in a bilateral ODI series at home since 2019.
India have a golden opportunity to beat the Kiwis in their own backyard in an ODI series. Meanwhile, the forecast for the fourth ODI is pretty good, and unlike the first three matches, there is no sign of rain.
India have gone with a top-heavy batting lineup, and New Zealand have made a few changes to their playing XI. For India, KL Rahul is not playing, and Ishan Kishan will keep the wickets.
Why did KL Rahul miss the NZ vs IND 4th ODI?
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KL Rahul is a big miss for India in the fourth game. The 34-year-old has been an important link in the Indian middle order and has bailed India out many times. Just like he did in the second ODI in Wellington.
In a tricky chase, he scored an unbeaten 26 off 38 balls before the game was called off. India were ahead by four runs and were awarded a win by the DLS method. Rahul has been released from the squad to join the Indian test team.
India and New Zealand will be facing each other in the two-match test series, starting on November 19. Hence, key players from both sides are not part of the last two ODIs, including Rahul and Indian captain Shubman Gill.
That is why Ishan is playing as the keeper on the side and Shreyas Iyer is leading the team. Rahul is a key player for the Indian test side, and he will join the test camp ahead of the series start.
Why is KL Rahul not playing NZ vs IND 4th ODI?
KL Rahul has been released from the squad to prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series starting on November 19.
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