India V/S New Zealand: Martin Guptill Ruled Out For Three Match T20 Series

Mumbai: After losing ODI series by India 4-1 New Zealand is all set for their upcoming T20 three match series against the visitors which will go on floor from 6th February.

But it seems like New Zealand has been facing problem to find out their final opening pair for the side, whereas now Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20 series against India after failing to recover from a back injury.

Jimmy Neesham has been included in the squad who also featured in the final two ODIs against India in the recently concluded five-match series.

“Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this Twenty20 series which is very condensed with three games over five days,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

“It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right.”

Guptill had been injured before India’s last ODI match and will now keep an eye on the return against Bangladesh in the series starting next week.

The three-match T20 series against India starts on February 6 at Wellington, followed by second match at Auckland’s Eden Park on February 8 and the final game at Hamilton on February 10.

Whereas Indian Squad has not been declared till now.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.