New Delhi | January 2, 2026
The Indian men’s cricket team is set to begin its international calendar for 2026 with a high-profile home assignment against New Zealand, as selectors prepare to announce the squad for a three-match One Day International series starting on January 11. The India squad new zealand odi series selection process has generated widespread discussion across the cricketing world, with senior players, emerging domestic performers, fitness concerns, and tactical debates all shaping the final decision.
According to reports, the senior national selection committee, led by former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to hold an online meeting on Saturday to finalise the squad. The meeting is expected to take place later in the evening due to Shubman Gill’s domestic commitments earlier in the day.
This series marks India’s first international assignment of 2026, and it carries added significance as it sets the tone for the team’s ODI strategy moving forward.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026 |
| Format | One Day Internationals |
| Matches | 3 |
| Host Nation | India |
| Start Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Selection Committee Head | Ajit Agarkar |
| Captain (Expected) | Shubman Gill |
| Venues | To be confirmed |
The India squad new zealand odi series announcement is expected imminently, with several high-profile players’ futures under scrutiny.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Set to Return
Two of Indian cricket’s most celebrated batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming ODI series. Both players have returned to competitive action in recent weeks and have shown strong form at the domestic level.
The duo last played international ODIs during India’s tour of South Africa and recently represented their respective teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where each scored commanding centuries. Their performances have reassured selectors amid ongoing conversations around experience versus youth in India’s ODI setup.
Their return adds significant weight to the India squad new zealand odi series, especially against a New Zealand side known for its disciplined bowling and tactical sharpness.
Selection Meeting Details and Shubman Gill’s Role
Shubman Gill, India’s current ODI captain, is expected to participate in the selection meeting. However, he is scheduled to play Punjab’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim earlier in the day, meaning the selectors are likely to convene in the evening.
Gill’s return is also crucial after he missed the South Africa ODI series due to a neck injury. His availability strengthens India’s leadership group and solidifies his role as the long-term ODI captain.
Major Selection Talking Points Ahead of Squad Announcement
1. Dhruv Jurel Likely to Miss Out
Dhruv Jurel, who served as a reserve batter during the South Africa ODI series, is expected to be omitted to make way for Gill’s return. While Jurel has impressed in domestic cricket, the management appears inclined to prioritise experience and leadership at the top.
2. Rishabh Pant’s ODI Future Under Question
One of the biggest debates surrounding the India squad new zealand odi series is the potential exclusion of Rishabh Pant.
Despite being part of recent ODI squads, Pant did not feature in a single match last year. His last ODI appearance for India dates back to the 2024 Sri Lanka tour. Reports suggest selectors remain divided over Pant’s role in the ODI format, particularly regarding his batting position and decision-making under pressure.
Former selector Devang Gandhi Dasgupta weighed in on the matter, stating that while Pant is ideally a top-three batter in T20Is, his best position in ODIs lies around No. 4 or No. 5. However, the lack of consistent opportunities has prevented Pant from settling into a defined role.
3. Ishan Kishan Emerging as Front-Runner
With Pant’s spot under threat, Ishan Kishan has emerged as a strong contender. Kishan’s recent performances in domestic cricket have been outstanding:
- Century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (125 vs Karnataka)
- Captain of Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy-winning side
- Century in the SMAT final
Selectors appear impressed by his consistency and leadership qualities, making him a serious option for the India squad new zealand odi series.
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Performers Forcing Selection Debates
Top Run-Scorers (After Four Matches)
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | 406 | 101.50 | 106.01 |
| Aryan Juyal | 390 | 130.00 | — |
| Pukhraj Mann | 360 | — | — |
| Ravi Singh | 345 | — | 129.70 |
| Lalit Yadav | 342 | — | — |
| Aman Mokhade | 337 | — | — |
| Dhruv Jurel | 324 | — | 137.87 |
Devdutt Padikkal’s numbers have been particularly eye-catching. His List A average of over 92 across 37 matches has reignited calls for his inclusion.
Top Wicket-Takers (After Four Matches)
| Bowler | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | 15 | 10.73 |
| Zeeshan Ansari | 14 | — |
| Raj Limbani | 14 | — |
| Ankur Panwar | 12 | — |
| Abhilash Shetty | 12 | — |
| Shardul Thakur | 11 | 7.27 |
| Vasuki Koushik | 11 | — |
Strong domestic bowling performances have intensified discussions around India’s pace attack composition for the India squad new zealand odi series.
Mohammed Shami: Experience vs Strategy
Mohammed Shami remains one of the most debated names. Despite bowling over 200 overs across domestic competitions this season and delivering consistent performances, he has remained on the fringes of selection.
With Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna struggling for consistency, selectors must decide whether to lean on Shami’s experience or continue backing younger fast bowlers.
India’s Leading ODI Wicket-Takers vs New Zealand
| Bowler | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Javagal Srinath | 51 |
| Anil Kumble | 39 |
| Mohammed Shami | 38 |
Shami stands on the brink of becoming India’s second-highest ODI wicket-taker against New Zealand, adding weight to his selection case.
Injury Concerns Impacting Selection
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s chances of featuring remain slim due to delayed recovery from an abdominal injury. A significant weight loss of nearly six kilograms has affected his strength, prompting the BCCI medical team to extend his return-to-play program.
Sai Sudharsan
Young batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out for over a month after fracturing his seventh rib during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. Although he was an outside contender, his injury ends any immediate selection hopes.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Case
Sarfaraz Khan has continued his red-hot domestic form, including a remarkable 157 against Goa from No. 4. Despite his numbers, selectors are unlikely to hand him an ODI debut at this stage, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad performing well in the same role against South Africa.
Head-to-Head: India vs New Zealand in ODIs
| Matches Played | India Wins | New Zealand Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 62 | 50 |
India holds a historical edge, but New Zealand’s recent performances in global tournaments ensure a competitive series.
Virat Kohli on the Brink of Another Record
Virat Kohli enters the series just 94 runs short of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as India’s highest ODI run-scorer against New Zealand.
| Player | ODI Runs vs NZ |
|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1,750 |
| Virat Kohli | 1,656 |
No other Indian batter has crossed 1,200 ODI runs against New Zealand, underlining the dominance of these two legends.
Recent India ODI Squads: Context for Selection
India Squad vs South Africa (2025)
| Player |
|---|
| KL Rahul (Captain/WK) |
| Rohit Sharma |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Virat Kohli |
| Tilak Varma |
| Rishabh Pant (WK) |
| Washington Sundar |
| Ravindra Jadeja |
| Kuldeep Yadav |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Harshit Rana |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Prasidh Krishna |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Dhruv Jurel |
Read also: England T20 World Cup Squad Announced Ahead of Key Sri Lanka Tour
India Squad vs Australia (2025)
| Player |
|---|
| Shubman Gill (Captain) |
| Rohit Sharma |
| Virat Kohli |
| Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain) |
| Axar Patel |
| KL Rahul (WK) |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Washington Sundar |
| Kuldeep Yadav |
| Harshit Rana |
| Mohammed Siraj |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Prasidh Krishna |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
These squads provide a clear reference point for understanding likely inclusions and exclusions in the India squad new zealand odi series.
What Lies Ahead
The upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series is more than just a bilateral contest. It is a litmus test for India’s evolving ODI strategy, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent. Selection decisions made now could shape India’s approach to major global tournaments in the coming years.
With the squad announcement expected shortly, fans and analysts alike await clarity on leadership, wicketkeeping choices, pace combinations, and middle-order stability.
One thing is certain: the India squad new zealand odi series will command global attention, especially in cricket-loving nations like India, the UK, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
