Stuart Binny surprised with maiden ODI call-up for New Zealand tour

Stuart Binny

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) Karnataka all-rounder Stuart Binny was Tuesday pleasantly surprised with his maiden call-up to the Indian ODI side for the tour to New Zealand starting Jan 19.

“I am completely surprised with the maiden ODI call-up. I didn’t see it coming. I really don’t know how to react,” Binny told IANS when he was given the news of his selection in the ODI team.

As he walked out to bat against Delhi at the Ferozeshah Kotla here, Binny, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was congratulated by his team mates and Delhi players including skipper Gautam Gambhir. He went on to play a whirlwind innings of 88 runs to take Karnataka  to 222 for 5.

Binny, son of India selector and former all-rounder Roger, said he was looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.

“Obviously, I am looking forward to making the most of the opportunity,” said Binny.

Binny, along with pacer Varun Aaron, was selected in the 16-member ODI side for the tour to New Zealand starting Jan 19.

India will be playing five ODIs and two Test matches during the month-long series that will be held from Jan 19 to Feb 18.

The five ODIs will be held at Napier (Jan 19), Hamilton (Jan 22 and Jan 28), Auckland (Jan 25) and Wellington (Jan 31). The two Tests will be hosted by Auckland (Feb 6-10) and Wellington (Feb 14-18).