The India ODI squad for the New Zealand series sees the return of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, with workload management, leadership calls, and injury recoveries shaping the selectors’ decisions.
India ODI Squad For New Zealand Series
The Indian team named by BCCI for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc) (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Below are the key talking points from the India ODI squad announced for the three-match home series starting January 11.
Shubman Gill Returns as Captain in India ODI Squad
The biggest highlight of the India ODI squad is Shubman Gill’s return as captain. Gill had missed the South Africa ODIs due to a neck spasm but is now fit and back in leadership duties. His elevation underlines the management’s long-term vision in the 50-over format, despite him being dropped from the T20 World Cup squad recently. There were rumours related to Gill possibly losing his ODI captaincy after he was dropped when being the vice-captain of the T20I squad, but with him named, BCCI have reiterated that they see Gill in ODIs differently.
Shreyas Iyer Back, Subject to Fitness Clearance
Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain in the India ODI squad, pending final fitness clearance. The middle-order batter is returning from a spleen injury sustained during the Australia tour and has not played competitive cricket since October 2025. His availability will be crucial, given India’s reliance on stability in the middle overs.
Iyer is a crucial player in the ODI setup for a while now, fulfilling the No.4 role behind Virat Kohli and also acting as the middle-order spin hitter and the perfect foil to Kohli before the likes of KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja come in as finishers.
Mohammed Siraj Back In ODI, No Return For Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Siraj returns to the India ODI squad after last featuring in the format during the Australia tour in October 2025. While he has remained a Test regular, this recall strengthens India’s pace attack, especially at home where reverse swing and death-overs control remain key.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami continues to be outside the setup. The veteran pacer had proven his fitness with domestic games for Bengal after Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar publically questioned his fitness. But despite his showing for Bengal, Shami remains out of the squad.
Why Is Hardik Pandya Not There in India ODI Squad?
One of the notable omissions from the India ODI squad is Hardik Pandya. The BCCI has opted to manage his workload, citing that he is yet to be cleared to bowl a full 10-over spell. With the T20 World Cup starting on February 7, the focus is clearly on keeping Pandya fit for the global event.
Hardik is a crucial player in the ODI squad, especially considering that the next World Cup is in South Africa where a pace-bowling all-rounder like him would be invaluable for the team. Hardik’s bowling fitness will continue to be monitored. But the latest injury management also means that a possible Hardik Pandya Test comeback remains in the backburner.
Limited Changes From South Africa ODI Series
The India ODI squad features only three changes from the team that won 2-1 against South Africa. Gill, Iyer, and Siraj come in for Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. This reflects the selectors’ preference for continuity while reintegrating first-choice players.
The spin department in the India ODI squad remains settled, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar all retained. On Indian pitches, this trio provides flexibility across phases, allowing India to control the middle overs effectively.
