IND vs NZ: BCCI announces India squad for New Zealand ODI series, Rohit-Virat set to feature

Shubman Gill to lead India in the ODI series vs New Zealand, but Hardik Pandya misses out and Shreyas Iyer’s fitness is uncertain. Can India cope without Pandya, and will Iyer be ready in time for the clash?

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 3 January 2026, 6:34 PM IST

BCCI announces India squad for New Zealand ODI series

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill has been named captain for the series, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli included among the batting stalwarts.

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain, though his participation is subject to fitness clearance following an injury sustained during India’s recent ODI series in Australia.

Hardik Pandya Left Out to Manage Workload

One of the major talking points is the omission of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The BCCI has decided not to include him in the ODI squad as he has yet to be cleared to bowl his full quota of 10 overs in a match. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, the board appears keen on ensuring Pandya remains fully fit for the marquee tournament, rather than risking injury in the ODI series.

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Multi-Format Series Against New Zealand

India and New Zealand will compete in a multi-format white-ball series, featuring three ODIs followed by five T20Is. The ODI squad announcement comes shortly after the BCCI unveiled the T20I squad, signaling the board’s intent to manage player workloads carefully while balancing team strength.

Key Inclusions in the ODI Squad

Apart from Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, the squad includes experienced campaigners like KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Mohd Siraj. Emerging talents such as Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have also been rewarded with selections, highlighting the board’s blend of youth and experience.

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Shreyas Iyer, named vice-captain, will only join the squad if he gets fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Committee of Administrators (COE). Iyer’s inclusion is critical given his leadership role and batting prowess.

Full Indian ODI Squad for New Zealand Series:

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Note: Shreyas Iyer’s availability is subject to fitness clearance.

The squad reflects India’s strategic planning ahead of the T20 World Cup while maintaining a strong lineup for the ODIs against New Zealand.