Cricket INTL Admin January 3, 2026 0 Comments

Gill Takes Helm as Captain, Pant Retains ODI Spot in India Squad Against New Zealand

Shubman Gill has been reappointed as the captain for India’s men’s ODI cricket team for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand. His deputy, Shreyas Iyer, has also been named in the 15-member squad, pending a fitness clearance. Mohammed Siraj returns to the squad after being rested for two previous ODI series earlier in the home season.

The squad announcement came on a Saturday afternoon following a virtual selection committee meeting that included Gill. Gill had missed the preceding ODI series against South Africa due to a neck spasm.

The BCCI released a statement noting that Shreyas Iyer’s participation depends on fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Iyer is currently recuperating from a significant abdominal injury sustained during the Australian tour in October last year.

Shreyas is anticipated to play in Mumbai’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur on Tuesday. Gill and Shreyas replace Ruturaj Gaikwad and Dhruv Jurel from the previous squad that triumphed over South Africa in November. Tilak Varma has been replaced by Siraj, with the selectors opting for a stronger pace attack by including an additional fast bowler.

Despite scoring a century against South Africa, Gaikwad has been left out, having primarily been selected as a backup opener initially.

The BCCI also clarified that Hardik Pandya was excluded from selection as their medical team advised that he should not bowl 10 overs in a game to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.

“Hardik has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed,” the statement revealed.

After a break from the ODI format due to a demanding Test schedule, Siraj is expected to lead the bowling attack as selectors experiment with various combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Rishabh Pant retains his place, with the selection committee choosing to stick with him over Ishan Kishan. It remains uncertain whether Pant will have opportunities to showcase his skills during the series.

INDIA SQUAD FOR NEW ZEALAND ODIs