India vs NZ: Indian middle order batsman Suresh Raina ruled out of first ODI due to viral fever

Indian batsman Suresh Raina, making a comeback to the One Day International (ODI) side after a year, has been ruled out of the upcoming first ODI against New Zealand on account of viral fever.

“The BCCI Medical team has confirmed that Suresh Raina, who is recovering from a bout of viral fever, is ruled out of the first ODI against New Zealand. There will be no replacement in the team,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Raina was one of the pillars of India’s middle order in the 2015 world cup and played a stellar role in India’s ascendancy to the semi-finals of the premier tournament. 

Raina was about to feature in his first ODI since October 2015. The first match of the five ODI series will be played in Dharamshala on October 16. India swept the ODI series 3-0 and would like to continue its dominance in the ODI format too.