India vs New Zealand | Ish Sodhi replaces injured Todd Astle in New Zealand squad

Astle suffered the injury after bowling only three deliveries in his first over in the warm-up game against BCCI Board President's XI at the Brabourne stadium on October 17. Scans later confirmed a tear on his right side, ruling him out of action for around three weeks.

The 31-year-old seemed to be in good form in the recently-concluded one-day series between India A and New Zealand A, in which he picked up six wickets at an average of 27.83. His performances in the series helped him gain a place in the New Zealand ODI squad ahead of fellow legspinner Sodhi. But as luck would have it, he now has to fly down to his country without a match with the senior side.

“Todd was really impressive in the recent New Zealand A tour over here and had done everything he possibly could to get himself ready for this series,” said Mike Hesson, New Zealand’s coach, reported Cricbuzz.

“He deserved this opportunity and everyone in the team is certainly feeling for Todd. He’ll return to New Zealand and get himself ready for a big summer.”

The Kiwi team is playing their second warm-up game against the Board Presidents XI today and will lock horns with India in the first ODI at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

ODI squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, George Worker.