India Prepares for New Zealand ODI Series: Key Players and Expectations

India's ODI Squad Announcement for New Zealand Series

The announcement of India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand is on the horizon, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Shubman Gill is set to return as captain, while Mohammed Shami may also make a comeback. Other potential inclusions are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan.

Selection Committee's Plans

The selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to reveal the squad for the three-match ODI series on Saturday, January 3. This series, commencing on January 11, will be India's first international engagement of 2026.

Resting Key Players

Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are unlikely to be included in the squad as the selectors aim to manage their workloads ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup 2026. The ODI series will serve as a crucial step in India's preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

Expectations from the Squad Announcement

Here are five key expectations from the squad announcement for the ODI series against New Zealand:

1. **Shubman Gill's Leadership**: After being left out of the T20 World Cup squad due to performance issues, Gill is expected to return as captain for the ODIs. His exclusion from the T20I series against New Zealand was noted by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

2. **Strong Performers**: With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli likely to be included due to their recent form, Gill's return to the ODI setup is anticipated. He is also expected to participate in Punjab's VHT matches against Sikkim and Goa on January 3 and 6.

3. **Yashasvi Jaiswal's Inclusion**: Following Gill's absence due to injury, Jaiswal impressed as an opener, scoring a century in the third ODI against South Africa. His performance may secure him a spot as a backup opener.

4. **Mohammed Shami's Comeback**: Shami, who last played in the Champions Trophy final, has been working hard in domestic cricket, taking 44 wickets in 15 matches. His efforts may earn him a place in the ODI squad.

5. **Middle Order Dynamics**: Ruturaj Gaikwad's strong performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, including a century, position him favorably for a middle-order role, especially with Shreyas Iyer's fitness in question.

Wicketkeeping Choices

With KL Rahul expected to be the primary wicketkeeper-batter, the selectors will need to choose a backup. Ishan Kishan is likely to be favored over Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel due to his recent form and prior ODI experience. Kishan's impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has strengthened his case, despite the selectors advising him to rest after a significant innings against Karnataka.