The India team squad for New Zealand ODI series has officially been announced, setting the stage for a high-profile three-match contest between two of the world’s strongest limited-overs sides. With a mix of senior stars, returning players, and emerging talent, India’s squad selection has sparked widespread discussion among fans and experts alike.
While the core of the batting order looks settled, several critical questions remain unanswered-particularly around the No.4 batting position, the balance of all-rounders, and the composition of the pace attack. Fitness concerns surrounding vice-captain Shreyas Iyer have added another layer of intrigue, making India’s probable Playing XI a subject of intense debate.
This article provides a complete, in-depth, and SEO-optimized analysis of the India team squad for New Zealand ODI, including:
- Expected Playing XI
- Batting and bowling combinations
- Key player records and milestones
- Schedule and venues
- New Zealand squad overview
- Tactical challenges for Team India
India Team Squad for New Zealand ODI: Official Announcement Overview
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named a competitive squad for the ODI series against New Zealand, with Shubman Gill appointed as captain and Shreyas Iyer returning as vice-captain. The selection also marks the comeback of senior fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, strengthening India’s pace department.
However, the squad announcement has not eliminated uncertainty. Shreyas Iyer is yet to receive full fitness clearance, raising doubts about his availability for the Playing XI. This uncertainty directly impacts India’s middle-order structure, especially the crucial No.4 position.
India’s Probable Playing XI vs New Zealand (ODI Series)
Likely Playing XI (Subject to Fitness Clearance)
| Position | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Shubman Gill (C) | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | Top-order Batter |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer / Rishabh Pant | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | KL Rahul (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 6 | Washington Sundar | Batting All-rounder |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 8 | Kuldeep Yadav | Specialist Spinner |
| 9 | Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Mohammed Siraj | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
Reserves / Extras:
Prasidh Krishna, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rishabh Pant (WK)
Top Order Batting: Stability at the Top
One of the biggest positives of the India team squad for New Zealand ODI series is the clarity at the top of the batting order.
Opening Pair: Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill
The return of Shubman Gill ensures continuity and balance at the top. Gill is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma, a partnership that combines elegance, experience, and consistency.
- Rohit Sharma brings leadership, powerplay dominance, and big-match temperament.
- Shubman Gill offers technical precision and the ability to anchor long innings.
Together, they provide India with one of the strongest opening combinations in world cricket.
No.3: Virat Kohli – The Backbone of the Batting Line-up
Virat Kohli remains India’s most dependable ODI batter at No.3. His recent form has been exceptional, with 50-plus scores in each of his last four ODI innings, including two centuries.
Virat Kohli on the Verge of Historic Milestones
The New Zealand ODI series could be historic for Virat Kohli, as he edges closer to several monumental records.
Virat Kohli – Career Milestones Watch
| Achievement | Runs Required |
|---|---|
| 28,000 international runs | 25 runs |
| Overtake Kumar Sangakkara (2nd highest international run-scorer) | 42 runs |
| 15,000 ODI runs | 443 runs |
| Most List-A centuries (all-time) | 3 centuries |
Kohli currently has 27,975 international runs in 556 matches. Scoring just 42 runs would see him surpass Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history, behind Sachin Tendulkar.
The No.4 Conundrum: Shreyas Iyer’s Fitness Under Scanner
The biggest selection headache in the India team squad for New Zealand ODI revolves around the No.4 position.
Shreyas Iyer: Key Player, Questionable Availability
Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain, indicating the team management’s faith in him. However, his participation in the Playing XI hinges entirely on medical clearance.
- If fit: Iyer is expected to play all three matches.
- If unfit: India will be forced to reshuffle their middle order.
Shreyas Iyer is just 83 runs away from completing 3,000 ODI runs, underlining his importance to the batting unit.
Rishabh Pant as a Potential No.4 Option
In the absence of Iyer, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could be promoted to No.4.
| Player | ODIs | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 31 | 1 | 5 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 59+ | 5 | 20+ |
Pant offers aggression and unpredictability but lacks the consistency Iyer brings to the middle order.
Middle Order & Finishing: Area of Concern
Despite strong top-order stability, India’s finishing department remains a concern.
KL Rahul’s Role as Finisher
KL Rahul is likely to bat at No.5 or No.6, doubling up as the wicketkeeper. While Rahul is technically sound, his role as a finisher has often come under scrutiny due to a lack of explosive hitting in the final overs.
All-rounders: Jadeja & Sundar Under the Lens
Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to support Rahul in the lower-middle order.
- Both are reliable batters in the middle overs.
- Neither is known for consistent power-hitting at the death.
This raises concerns about India’s ability to post or chase big totals against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The X-Factor Option
One interesting inclusion in the India team squad for New Zealand ODI is pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Why Nitish Kumar Reddy Matters
- Can hit big shots in the lower order
- Offers medium-pace bowling
- Adds flexibility to team combination
India may consider playing Nitish Reddy in place of either Jadeja or Sundar to strengthen their finishing capabilities.
Spin Department: Kuldeep Yadav Leads the Attack
Kuldeep Yadav is set to be India’s only specialist spinner in the Playing XI.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Recent Form
| Series | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| vs South Africa | 3 | 9 |
Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin could pose serious challenges for New Zealand’s middle order, especially on Indian pitches that traditionally assist spinners.
Fast Bowling Unit: Siraj vs Prasidh – Tough Call
India is expected to play three fast bowlers in the ODI series.
Likely Pace Trio
- Mohammed Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
Siraj’s return adds experience and swing with the new ball. He is a former World No.1 ODI bowler and could replace Prasidh Krishna, who struggled for consistency against South Africa.
Arshdeep & Harshit: New-Ball Specialists
- Arshdeep Singh picked up 5 wickets in the last ODI series
- Harshit Rana impressed with disciplined new-ball spells
Both are also part of India’s T20 World Cup plans, making this series crucial for their long-term prospects.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026: Full Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First ODI | 11 January | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
| Second ODI | 14 January | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot |
| Third ODI | 18 January | Holkar Stadium, Indore |
The series will be played entirely in India, offering home advantage to the hosts. The ODI series will be followed by a five-match T20I series from 21 to 31 January.
New Zealand ODI Squad Overview
New Zealand arrive with a well-balanced squad led by Michael Bracewell.
New Zealand ODI Squad
| Player |
|---|
| Michael Bracewell (Captain) |
| Devon Conway |
| Daryl Mitchell |
| Glenn Phillips |
| Kyle Jamieson |
| Henry Nicholls |
| Will Young |
| Josh Clarkson |
| Nick Kelly |
| Adi Ashok |
| Zachary Foulkes |
| Christian Clarke |
| Jaden Lennox |
| Michael Rae |
The Kiwi squad blends experience with youth, and players like Conway, Phillips, and Jamieson are capable of turning matches quickly.
Key Challenges for India in the ODI Series
- No.4 batting position uncertainty
- Lack of proven finishers
- Selecting the right pace combination
- Managing Shreyas Iyer’s workload and fitness
- Handling New Zealand’s seam-friendly bowling attack
Conclusion: A Defining Series for India’s ODI Setup
The India team squad for New Zealand ODI series reflects a transitional phase, where proven superstars coexist with emerging talent. While the top order appears rock solid, unresolved issues in the middle order and finishing department could determine the outcome of the series.
With Virat Kohli chasing historic milestones, Shubman Gill stepping into leadership, and several players fighting for long-term spots, this ODI series promises high drama, intense competition, and valuable insights into India’s future white-ball strategy.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on how Team India finalizes its Playing XI-and whether it can overcome its selection dilemmas to dominate a formidable New Zealand side on home soil.
