Why Sanju Samson Was Not Included For 2nd ODI vs New Zealand, Shikhar Dhawan Reveals

India came up with two changes to their playing XI in the second ODI as they included Deepak Hooda and Deepak Chahar in place of Sanju Samson and Shardul Thakur.

Shikhar Dhawan is leading the Indian side against the Blackcaps. ( Image Source :Getty )

New Delhi: Rain played spoilsport in the second ODI between India vs New Zealand in Hamilton on Sunday. As a result, the match was called off. After they were invited to bat first,  India scored  89/1 in 12.5 overs of play. India came up with two changes to their playing XI in the second ODI as they included Deepak Hooda and Deepak Chahar in place of Sanju Samson and Shardul Thakur.

Moments after the game was abandoned, skipper Shikhar Dhawan was asked about the two changes to their playing XI.

"We wanted the sixth bowler to come in, so Sanju Samson missed out and Hooda came in. And Chahar was picked because he can swing the ball really well, and in both directions," said Dhawan.

Dhawan further said: " Not in our control, you just have to wait. We were waiting to get the game started, can't help it. Now looking forward to the 3rd game. I was quite surprised with the surface, I thought it would be seaming quite a bit, but it wasn't as much as the last match. It was good to bat on and to see Shubman perform this way was very encouraging."

"A few of our guys are resting but this side is still strong, shows the depth of our squad," he added.

Speaking about captaining the Indian team, Dhawan said: "Damn exciting, makes me feel so young (laughs). No, but seriously this is a good opportunity for the guys travelling so far, to see the way Shubman has batted and Umran's bowling, glad to see that transition. As a team, we want to get our processes right, and put on a good performance in Christchurch. Hopefully, we can win and enjoy ourselves."

India will be playing against New Zealand in the third and final ODI on Wednesday in Christchurch.