India vs New Zealand: KL Rahul likely to lead Team India in T20Is, seniors to be rested

India and New Zealand take on each other in three T20Is this month. With most senior players set to be rested post 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, KL Rahul will likely lead the side against the Kiwis.

Team India is currently busy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), participating in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Its stint has been poor so far, having lost both its opening matches, as its stares at an early exit. Following the tournament, it would be hosting New Zealand for a three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series and a couple of Tests.

Meanwhile, it seems likes the series would see quite some top players missing out after prolonged exposure to the bio-bubble and would be resting themselves to avoid bubble fatigue. The likes of Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma are the ones tipped to be rested. As a result, there are speculations as to who would lead the side.

At the same time, an official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has told ANI that the NZ series would halt most top Indian players. With KL Rahul being one of the leading Indian players and is in fine form, he is most likely to lead the side, at least in the T20Is.

Earlier, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah had pondered on the issue of bubble fatigue following India's loss to NZ in the T20WC on Sunday. He said that every player sometimes needs a break, as they miss their family, especially after being on duty for six months, which is at the back of the mind. However, it's not thought about when one is ready to get on to the field, while the scheduling cannot be controlled, he asserted.

He reckoned that staying in the bubble for a prolonged time takes a toll on the players' mental health, besides being tired, while it is the scenario right now considering the current COVID circumstances. He added that while everyone is trying to adapt to the pandemic, fatigue keeps creeping in at times, which cannot be controlled.

India vs New Zealand 2021-22 schedule:
1st T20I: November 17 (Jaipur)
2nd T20I: November 19 (Ranchi)
3rd T20I: November 21 (Kolkata)
1st Test: November 25-29 (Kanpur)
2nd Test: December 3-7 (Mumbai)