India ODI Squad for New Zealand Series 2026: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah Likely To Be Rested; Rishabh Pant Facing Possible Omission

As the Indian selection committee prepares to finalise the (One-Day International) ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026, major changes are expected in the team composition. According to sources close to the development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prioritising workload management for high-impact players, leading to the likely absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant appears set to miss out as the team pivots toward other options behind the stumps. Virat Kohli Filmed By Bus Driver Along With Ishant Sharma, Ayush Badoni and Other Delhi Teammates During Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (Watch Video)

Strategic Rest for Key Match-Winners Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya is viewed as a strategic move to ensure both players remain fresh for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. Bumrah has not featured in an ODI since late 2023, with the management preferring to utilise his skills primarily in Test and T20 cricket.

Similarly, Pandya, who recently played for Baroda in domestic cricket, is expected to skip the 50-over leg but will reportedly return for the five-match T20I series that follows. The selectors are reportedly keen on "ring-fencing" these assets to avoid injury risks in a format that currently holds less priority than the upcoming global T20 tournament. Hardik Pandya Wins Hearts With Calm Response to Fan’s ‘Bhaad Mein Jao’ Insult After Dinner Date with Girlfriend Maheika Sharma (Watch Video)

Rishabh Pant Out, Ishan Kishan In?

The most significant selection talking point surrounds Rishabh Pant. Despite being a regular in the Test setup, Pant’s place in the ODI squad has come under scrutiny. Having been part of the recent squad against South Africa without playing a game, reports indicate that the Ajit Agarkar-led committee is ready to "move on" from the left-hander for this series.

KL Rahul remains the preferred first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the middle order. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan is the front-runner to take the backup spot. Kishan has forced his way back into contention following a prolific run in domestic cricket, most notably smashing a 39-ball 125 in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. His ability to bat at multiple positions and his recent T20I recall have reportedly tipped the scales in his favor.

Captaincy and Senior Returns

Shubman Gill is expected to return to the captaincy role after missing the South Africa tour due to injury. His reinstatement as leader signals the BCCI's long-term vision for India’s white-ball succession planning.

The series will also mark the anticipated return of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international 50-over action. Both players recently featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to regain match fitness. Their inclusion provides a veteran core to a squad that may also see the return of Shreyas Iyer, who has been rehabilitating from a spleen injury suffered in October. Rohit Sharma Dismissed For Golden Duck After Making Sensational Vijay Hazare Trophy Return, Star Batter Gets Out Playing Pull Shot During Mumbai vs Uttarakhand VHT 2025-26 Match

IND vs NZ ODI 2026 Schedule and Venues

The three-match ODI series will be played across the following venues:

1st ODI: January 11 – Vadodara (BCA Stadium, Kotambi)

2nd ODI: January 14 – Rajkot (Niranjan Shah Stadium)

3rd ODI: January 18 – Indore (Holkar Cricket Stadium)

The official squad announcement is expected to take place via an online meeting on January 3 or 4. Following the ODIs, the two teams will compete in five T20Is across Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2025 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).