India vs New Zealand: The Indian men’s cricket team will play a key role in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on home soil in 2026. With matches scheduled for January 11 (Vadodara), January 14 (Rajkot) and January 18 (Indore), this series marks a turning point for a team looking to get back to its full strength.
The biggest headline from the upcoming team announcement this weekend is the return of Shubman Gill. Gill has been cleared by medical experts to resume both opening duties and captaincy after he was ruled out due to a nerve-related neck injury during the South Africa tour in late 2025.
Who will open? Jaiswal or Gill
The return of the regular captain creates a selection headache at the top order. In Gill’s absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal made a strong statement by scoring his maiden ODI century (116* off 121 runs) in the series-deciding win against South Africa on 6 December.
Despite Jaiswal’s poor form, the established hierarchy suggests he may have to return to the bench. With Rohit Sharma (world No. 1) and Virat Kohli (world No. 2) both confirmed for the series, the top three of Rohit, Gill and Kohli remain the “engine room” of the team.
Stability in the middle order, Gaikwad or Iyer?
The middle order also offers an interesting battle. Ruturaj Gaikwad silenced his critics by scoring a brilliant century while batting at the unfamiliar No. 4 position in the second ODI during the South Africa tour.
INJURY WATCH: India’s regular No. 4 and ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is close to a comeback after suffering a spleen injury in Sydney last October. While Iyer has returned to the nets at the BCCI Center of Excellence, he is expected to prove his fitness in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting January 3 before being considered for international selection.
Even if Iyer is included, Gaikwad’s recent century in Raipur makes him the frontrunner to retain his place in the final 11.
Kishan overtook Pant?
While KL Rahul remains the undisputed first-choice keeper-batsman, the backup spot is currently a one-horse race. After being named in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad on December 20, Kishan is in the best form of his life. Having recently scored the second-fastest List A century by an Indian (off 33 balls), he is the favorite for the backup role.
If reports are to be believed, Pant will be kept out of the ODI team for this series. His inconsistency in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, coupled with the team management’s desire for exclusive ODI roles, has put his 50-over spot under threat.
Bumrah and Hardik will be out of the series!
The selectors are likely to maintain a policy of “strategic rest” for the fast bowlers. Both Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are expected to sit out the ODIs to manage their workload ahead of the T20 World Cup in February.
After a mixed performance in South Africa, Prasidh Krishna’s place is under scrutiny. Mohammed Siraj, who was overlooked for the Proteas tour despite good performances in Australia, is a strong candidate for a return to lead the attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
The ‘Kul-Jadeja’ duo remains the backbone, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja being some of the choices for the spinning tracks of Rajkot and Indore.
India’s probable team for New Zealand ODI
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Also read: YEAR ENDER 2025: Top 10 records that Virat Kohli achieved in 2025
