BCCI Announces India Squad for New Zealand ODIs: Rishabh Pant included, Hardik Pandya Out

The BCCI selection committee, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, officially announced India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. In a significant move, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the captain, marking his return to leadership after an injury layoff, while Shreyas Iyer returns as the vice-captain, subject to a final fitness clearance.

The series is scheduled to kick off on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by matches in Rajkot and Indore.

Key Squad Highlights

• The Return of the Seniors: Modern-day greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to be the backbone of the ODI setup. After showing vintage form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the duo will lead the batting charge alongside young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal.
• The “Iyer” Catch: While Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain, his participation is contingent on clearing fitness tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). He is expected to prove his match fitness in Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture on January 6.
• Workload Management: Senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have been rested. The BCCI stated that Pandya has not yet been cleared by the CoE to bowl a full 10-over quota in ODIs, and with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching in February, the management is prioritizing his long-term fitness.
• Wicketkeeping Options: KL Rahul remains the primary choice, but Rishabh Pant has retained his spot as the second keeper despite domestic scrutiny, reinforcing the selectors’ long-term faith in him.
• Bowling Depth: Mohammed Siraj leads a rejuvenated pace attack featuring Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and the rising Harshit Rana. Kuldeep Yadav remains the specialist spinner, supported by all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

India’s 15-Man ODI Squad

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

*Subject to fitness clearance.

Series Schedule