New Delhi, Nov. 15 -- Yash Thakur became the 267th cricketer to represent India in ODIs, when the Vidarbha pacer was handed his dbeut cap by all-rounder Axar Patel just before the start of the fifth 50-over game against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Thakur replaced left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was released in order to play the ongoing domestic cricket back in India. Kuldeep was also in the Test squad against New Zealand.

India lead the series 2-1 having won the first two ODIs of the series, while the third match was washed out. The visitors lost the fourth ODI by a huge margin of 244 runs. Also added in the Indian playing XI for the fifth ODI was Mohammed Siraj, who replaced Gurnoor Bra

The 27-year-old has alrea...