Mark Chapman and Jack Faulkner ruled out of T20 series against India due to injuries

Experienced all-rounder from New Zealand, Michael Breswell, has decided to step away from the central contract for the 2026-27 season. However, Breswell is not completely distancing himself from the New Zealand team; he will remain available on a casual playing contract and participate in the upcoming white-ball series against India.

This move was made by Michael Breswell to participate in the Australian domestic T20 league, the Big Bash League (BBL). New Zealand cricket supported his decision. The 35-year-old Breswell has already played 105 international matches for New Zealand.

Despite leaving the central contract, Michael Breswell emphasized that his commitment to New Zealand remains unchanged. He is ready to participate in the forthcoming white-ball series against India.

Michael Breswell stated that the support from New Zealand cricket is very important to him at this stage of his career. He noted that the opportunity to play as a white-ball player was a chance he found difficult to pass up. He confirmed his full dedication to the 'Black Caps' and expressed enthusiasm about participating in the upcoming series against India and future white-ball matches.

Nick Kelly, a left-handed batter, has been included in place of Michael Breswell in the central contract list. The 33-year-old Kelly received his first full contract in his career. He was awarded recognition for consistently outstanding performance in domestic competitions over the last few seasons.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter highly praised Nick Kelly. Walter noted that Kelly is among the best players in domestic competitions over many seasons and earned this contract through his perseverance. He also added that sometimes a later emergence in international cricket can be beneficial for a player, as they better understand their game and can rely on themselves under pressure.

Michael Breswell is not the first New Zealand player to opt out of a central contract to play in a foreign league. Last month, Mark Chapman also opted for a casual playing contract for the 2026-27 season. Finn Allen, Loki Ferguson, Adam Milne, and Tim Seifert have previously utilized this system. This indicates that New Zealand players are now prioritizing the opportunity to play in overseas domestic leagues alongside international cricket.

The list of New Zealand players included in the central contract comprises: Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Jack Foulkes, Mitchell Hayes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, and Will Young.

After the conclusion of the last One Day International (ODI) match against the West Indies, in which the Indian team failed to secure a victory, the team led by Shubman Gill managed to win the series 2-1. Following the game, during the press conference, Shubman Gill openly commented on numerous rumors regarding the possible retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Gill's statements made it clear that planning for the Indian team remains incomplete without the participation of these two veterans, and they will remain an important part of the plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. During the press conference after the third and final ODI against the West Indies, Captain Gill clearly stated that Rohit and Virat are demonstrating consistently outstanding play. He noted that both players delivered magnificent performances whenever the team needed them.

Gill emphasized that these two athletes are playing truly brilliantly. He mentioned that Rohit has shown exceptional skills in the previous four innings. Virat is also in superb form, and he added that KL Rahul contributed excellently to the team when given the opportunity.

When asked if the team could rest these veterans to test younger players, Gill categorically replied that there is little time left for many experiments. He explained that before the World Cup, the team must finalize its main squad so that all players can compete together.

Despite frequent questions related to the ages of Rohit Sharma (39 years old) and Virat Kohli (37 years old), the runs they score on the field provide a decisive answer to critics. During this series, Virat scored his 55th century in his ODI career, and Rohit also proved that age is just a number through his consistently excellent performances.

Following Captain Gill's statements, it is now clear that Rohit and Virat will continue to shine in the blue jersey. Indian cricket fans also want to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli competing in the 2027 World Cup.

The third match of the three-match ODI tournament between India and West Indies is scheduled for October 3rd (Saturday) at the Maharaja Yadvindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullumpur (New Chandigarh). The game will start at 14:00 Indian time. Previously, the Indian team defeated its opponent in matches in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati by eight wickets.

In the first two matches, the Indian team demonstrated strong batting performance. In the second ODI, when West Indies scored 405 runs, three players from the team managed to score a century. In response, India reached a target of 406 runs in 43.3 overs. Captain Shubman Gill scored a record 223 not out, and Rohit Sharma added 101 runs. Before that, Shubman and Virat Kohli scored centuries in the first ODI.

Before the third ODI, there was a serious question regarding the composition of the Indian team. Specialist Krishna is unavailable for the third match, and there are also concerns about the physical condition of Naman Diar, who sustained an injury during the second ODI. Due to this, two changes are expected in the starting lineup: experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj may replace Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy may also return to the squad.

In the third ODI, the visiting team West Indies will aim to reduce the series deficit, while India has a chance to close the series with a 3-0 scoreline. Although West Indies batsmen, led by Shay Hope, are scoring many runs, their play shows significant issues in bowling.

The possible starting lineup for India in the third ODI includes: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rituraj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akib Nabi, and Gurnoor Brar.

The presumed lineup for West Indies in the third ODI: John Campbell, Kesi Carty, Shay Hope (captain/wicketkeeper), Amir Jangu, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Kim Pollard, Alzarri Joseph, Sharmeen Joseph, Zaden Silas, and Vital Lodge.

The Indian squad includes: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rituraj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Akib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Naman Diar.

The West Indies squad includes: John Campbell, Joel Andrew, Kesi Carty, Shay Hope (captain/wicketkeeper), Amir Jangu, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Matthew Ford, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Zaden Silas, Kim Pollard, Sharmeen Joseph, and Vital Lodge.

The schedule of West Indies' tour in India shows that the first ODI ended with an Indian victory by 8 runs in Thiruvananthapuram, and the second ODI was also won by India by 8 runs in Guwahati. The third ODI will take place on October 3, 2026, in Mullumpur. Additionally, T20 matches are planned: the first on October 6, 2026, in Lucknow, the second on October 9, 2026, in Ranchi, the third on October 11, 2026, in Indore, the fourth on October 14, 2026, in Hyderabad, and the fifth on October 17, 2026, in Bangalore.