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New Zealand’s stand-in ODI captain Michael Bracewell wants India’s senior duo – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – to play in the ODI World Cup 2027. Ahead of the three-ODI Series, Bracewell feels that it will be 'silly to underestimate' them considering their record in the format.
“Their records speak for themselves, individually and as a team. They’ve been involved in some great Indian sides and led that side with the bat. You’d be silly to underestimate them, that’s for sure,” Bracewell said while speaking to the media at Willingdon Sports Club on January 6.
“I’d like to see them play in the (ODI) World Cup,” he added. “They are obviously still playing very good cricket, so there’s no reason to stop. They’re both playing beautifully, so why not?”
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Bracewell is leading the ODI side in the absence of Mitchell Santner as New Zealand don’t want to risk him getting injured playing the longer format ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The all-rounder talked about finding it tough to replace someone of Santner's capabilities.
“It’s a tricky one. Whenever you’re missing players of, say, Mitch Santner’s calibre, you’re always going to be struggling to replace them so you’re asking guys to come in and do their role as best as they can,” he said.
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“If everyone mucks in and does their little bit, then hopefully we can all work together and achieve great things on this tour.”
The ODI series begins on January 11 at Vadodra’s BCA Stadium. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox is set to make his ODI debutant. The side has a few inexperienced players including Kristian Clarke, Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs and Michael Rae.
Bracewell’s ODI record against India
Bracewell has a decent ODI record against India, scoring 243 runs from five innings at an average of 60.75 and strike rate of 140.46. His ODI career-best of 140 came against India in an unsuccessful run chase in 2023.
Bracewell needs 88 more runs to complete 1,000 runs in ODIs. He has 912 runs at an average of 36.48, including two tons and three fifties.
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