Cricket fans across the country are waiting for the India vs New Zealand ODI squad announcement. BCCI will release the official team list by late December or early January. The 2026 series includes three ODI matches and five T20 games starting January 11.
Squad Announcement Expected Soon
BCCI hasn’t revealed the ODI team for the India vs New Zealand series yet. The board usually announces the list around two weeks before any series begins. Everyone expects the announcement to drop sometime in late December this year.
The first match happens on January 11, 2026 at BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This gives BCCI enough time to pick the best players for these games.
Fans keep checking social media every day hoping to see the official names. The selectors met recently to discuss which players deserve spots in the side. This series matters a lot because it prepares everyone for bigger tournaments ahead.
Senior Players Set to Return
Rohit Sharma will likely lead the batting lineup in this India vs New Zealand series. Virat Kohli brings his massive experience and run-scoring ability to strengthen the squad further. KL Rahul should handle wicketkeeping duties while also batting in the middle order.
These three senior guys haven’t missed in 50-over cricket for some time now. Their return will give younger players confidence and guidance during pressure situations in 2026.
The team will look much stronger once these names are confirmed officially. Shubman Gill might make it into the ODIs even after missing the T20 World Cup. Shreyas Iyer could get leadership responsibilities if any changes happen suddenly but that seems unlikely.
Vijay Hazare Stars May Get Chances
Some domestic players performed brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy recently this season. Their performances might push selectors to include fresh faces in the squad here. The list could surprise everyone if uncapped players get picked for India vs New Zealand.
This 2026 series works as preparation for the T20 World Cup in February. Match practice becomes super important when big tournaments are around the corner like this.
The squad will need a proper balance between experienced cricketers and young talent. Fans hope the players name gets announced quickly so excitement can build up properly.
Likely Indian ODI Team for the New Zealand Series 2026:
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana
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
