India have made a significant change to their playing XI for the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, November 15. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been left out, with experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj coming into the side.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series decider. India have handed a debut to pacer Yash Thakur, while Siraj has also returned to the playing XI.

Mohammed Siraj replaces Kuldeep Yadav

The main reason Kuldeep is not playing the fifth ODI is a team combination change. India have opted to strengthen their pace attack by bringing Siraj into the side for the final match.

India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed the change at the toss, explaining that Siraj had been waiting for an opportunity to feature across formats and brings valuable international experience.

Speaking about Siraj’s inclusion, Iyer said:

“Obviously, Siraj has also been craving an opportunity to play in all formats. He’s been around the team for a while and is pretty experienced. He’s played over the years, so he knows how to go about things. We’re super excited for him as well.”

The decision comes after Kuldeep endured a difficult outing in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui. The spinner conceded 73 runs in eight overs without taking a wicket as New Zealand piled up 333 runs. India subsequently suffered a heavy 244-run defeat, being bowled out for just 89.

Kuldeep OUT of the Test series against New Zealand

Kuldeep has informed the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) that he will be available for three matches in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Mumbai.The update comes just five days ahead of India’s first Test against New Zealand, with the team management releasing the senior wrist-spinner from the red-ball squad on Saturday.

According to the BCCI, Kuldeep – who has featured in just one of the 10 white-ball games on the tour so far – is heading home to get valuable game time in domestic cricket. He is expected to link up with the UP side for three T20 fixtures starting after November 21. Meanwhile, Punjab fast bowler Gurnoor Brar, who has been part of the ODI setup on this tour, has been drafted into the Test squad as his replacement. Kuldeep has endured a frustrating tour on the sidelines, sitting out all five T20Is – a series India clinched (3-2) – as well as the first three ODIs, with the third match ending in a washout.