The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the New Zealand Cricket Team, with Shubman Gill set to lead the side. The series will begin on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18.
Gill’s appointment as captain marks his return to international cricket after missing the South Africa T20I series due to a toe injury. The young opener has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the ODI format and will now take on leadership responsibilities as the team management continues to invest in future leadership options ahead of major ICC tournaments.
Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain for the series, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE). Iyer is currently recovering from a serious spleen injury sustained during India’s ODI tour of Australia last year. The selectors have opted to include him in the squad while closely monitoring his rehabilitation process.
KL Rahul has been retained as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, with Rishabh Pant continuing as the backup option in the ODI setup. Pant’s selection comes despite a run of poor form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, indicating the team management’s faith in his experience and potential impact at the international level.
India’s batting department features experienced campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have been in impressive form in recent ODI series. The senior duo also showcased their class during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, reinforcing their importance to India’s white-ball plans. They will be joined by Gill at the top, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named as the reserve opener. KL Rahul is expected to anchor the middle order alongside Iyer, should the latter be declared fit.
In a notable selection call, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been dropped from the squad despite scoring a century in India’s previous ODI series against South Africa. The decision highlights the intense competition for batting spots as India continues to fine-tune its combinations.
The all-round department will be handled by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who will also share spin-bowling responsibilities with Kuldeep Yadav. With Hardik Pandya rested, Sundar’s role gains added significance in providing balance to the side.
India’s pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have both been rested from the series to manage workload and keep them fresh for the T20 World Cup 2026.
The series against New Zealand provides India an opportunity to test squad depth, assess leadership options, and build momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
India Squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Series Schedule:
January 11 – Vadodara
January 14 – Rajkot
January 18 – Indore