Siraj Returns, Thakur Debuts in India's Fifth ODI Against New Zealand
· Sports · Times of India, ESPNCricinfo
Mohammed Siraj returns to India's playing XI after missing four ODIs, making his first appearance in the series during the fifth match at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 15, 2026. India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed Siraj's inclusion and also handed a debut to right-arm seamer Yash Thakur. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl in the series-deciding match. The visitors suffered a 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI on Friday, leaving India to lead the five-match series 2-1 after two wins and one washout.
Why it matters
Siraj's return provides experienced pace options for India while Thakur gets a chance to prove himself on the international stage, potentially shaping the team's future combinations.
Read the original report — Times of India
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