The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11.
Reflecting a careful balancing act by the selectors, the squad has several high-profile returns, notable omissions and a clear focus on workload management ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Shubman Gill is back as captain, no place for Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shubman Gill he was reinstated as captain after recovering from a neck spasm that ruled him out of recent international events. His return shows the selectors’ faith in his leadership and his consistency in the 50-over format. Gill will lead a batting unit full of experience and depth as India look to start the series strongly.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is set to make a comeback after suffering a spleen injury during the Australian tour. If cleared by the medical team, he will assume the role of vice-captain, adding stability to India’s middle order. Iyer’s comeback comes at the expense of the sacked Ruturaj Gaikwad Despite scoring a century against South Africa in the Raipur ODIWith Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel.
Older stars continue in the only active format
Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to represent India in ODIs, the only international format in which they are currently active. Both the players recently featured for their domestic teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, highlighting their commitment to match fitness and maintaining their form.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been brought in to provide cover at the top of the order, while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will handle wicket keeping duties.
Bowling unit strengthened, Hardik Pandya ruled out
India’s pace attack is boosted by the return of Mohammad Siraj, who returned to the team after being rested earlier. He will be supported by Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and emerging talent Harshit Rana.
The spin department includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been recalled to ensure flexibility in the final XI.
The most significant presence is Hardik Pandya, who is not eligible to fulfill his full quota by the Center of Excellence. With the T20 World Cup just a month away, the selectors chose to manage his workload and drop him from the series.
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India squad for New Zealand ODIs
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh.
*Fitness permit required
