The India vs New Zealand ODI squad 2026 players list will drop soon with some interesting names. Selectors are mixing experienced veterans with young guns for this series. Three ODIs happen in January across different Indian cities before the T20Is start.
Shubman Gill captains the ODI team while Surya leads the T20 matches later. The India vs New Zealand series runs from January 11 through the end of the month. Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore host the 50-over games between these rivals.
Senior Players Return
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are coming back for the India vs New Zealand ODIs. Their experience becomes crucial against quality opposition like the Kiwis always bring. The squad needed their leadership after some younger players struggled recently.
These two legends add stability that India’s middle order desperately lacks sometimes. Rohit and Virat know exactly how to handle pressure during tight chases. The India vs New Zealand ODI squad looks much stronger with them around.
Selection Battles and Debates
The players list has some tough calls that selectors had to make. Shreyas Iyer might return after recovering from his injury at the BCCI’s centre. Domestic stars like Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel could get chances too.
Rishabh Pant’s spot isn’t guaranteed anymore after his poor form continued lately. Selectors are eyeing other keepers who’ve performed better in recent domestic matches. The 2026 team needs consistent performers, not just big names sitting around.
Hardik Pandya’s probably getting rested, which opens the all-rounder debate wide open. Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy are pushing hard for that spot. The list of players fighting for positions keeps growing each season.
Building for Future Tournaments
This series helps India test combinations before bigger tournaments arrive in 2026. The squad depth needs improvement, especially in the middle overs batting department. Every player on the list gets chances to prove their worth.
T20 World Cup preparations start with these matches against quality New Zealand bowling. The names reflect selectors wanting fresh blood mixed with experience carefully. India vs New Zealand always delivers exciting cricket regardless of format or venue.
India’s Squad:
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
New Zealand:
Michael Bracewell (C), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young
