KL Rahul released from India squad, will miss fifth ODI at Bay Oval

KL Rahul will not play for India in the fifth One-Day International against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, November 15, having been released from the ODI squad to join the Indian Test team. Ishan Kishan will keep wicket and Shreyas Iyer will captain India in Rahul’s absence.

New Zealand routed India by 244 runs in the fourth ODI, a defeat the article describes as India’s second-biggest loss in the format, with Matt Henry claiming a six-wicket haul. Henry will not feature in the final game, and New Zealand arrive at the series finale unbeaten in bilateral ODI series at home since 2019.

India have selected what the report calls a top-heavy batting lineup for the fifth match, while New Zealand have made a few changes to their playing XI. With KL Rahul omitted, Ishan Kishan takes over wicketkeeping duties and Shreyas Iyer leads the side.

The 34-year-old Rahul is described as an important link in India’s middle order and a player who has bailed India out on multiple occasions. The article cites the second ODI in Wellington, where Rahul finished an unbeaten 26 off 38 balls during a disrupted chase before the match was abandoned; India were ahead by four runs and were awarded the win by the DLS method.

Rahul has been released from the ODI squad to join the Indian Test team and will join the Test camp ahead of the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand that starts on November 19. The piece notes that several key players from both sides, including Rahul and India captain Shubman Gill, are not part of the final two ODIs for that reason.

The fifth ODI is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui; live television coverage is available on Sony Sports Networks and the match will be streamed on the Sony LIV app and website. For further updates the article directs readers to follow Khel Now Cricket across its social channels and apps, and to join its community on WhatsApp and Telegram.