IND vs NZ ODI 2025-26: Shreyas Iyer set to return pending CoE fitness clearance, while Mohammed Siraj also makes a comeback.
Team India’s preparations for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11, 2026, on home soil, received a major boost with the announcement of a balanced 15-member squad. The selection blends experience, current form, and strategic depth. The developments underline India’s ambitions in the 50-over format as the team builds towards a packed 2026 international calendar.
Gill leads, Iyer returns, Siraj included
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the ODI squad on January 3, with Shubman Gill named captain after missing the recent South Africa ODIs due to a neck injury. Gill’s return restores leadership continuity and adds stability at the top of India’s batting lineup.
Alongside Gill, the selection committee has reinstated Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain, though his inclusion is conditional upon fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) following a recent abdominal injury. Iyer has been ramping up his comeback through domestic cricket, including in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, in a bid to prove his readiness for international duty.
Another notable return is that of Mohammed Siraj, whose red-ball form and recent performances have earned him a recall to the ODI setup. Siraj’s presence bolsters India’s seam attack and offers an attacking new-ball option alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
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Full squad breakdown
India’s squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, reflecting a balance of continuity and renewal:
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shreyas Iyer (subject to fitness clearance)
Seasoned performers such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — both featuring regularly in 50-over cricket provide experience at the top, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s continued inclusion adds left-handed dynamism in the top order. KL Rahul retains his spot as a flexible batter-keeper, ensuring depth and balance.
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Major snubs & strategic decisions
The selection process saw a few surprises and tactical decisions. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma, both of whom enjoyed productive runs in domestic white-ball cricket, missed out on selection – casualties of a crowded batting group and the return of senior names.
Mohammed Shami, despite consistent performances in domestic red-ball cricket, was also overlooked, signalling a strategic emphasis on workload management and format-specific roles.
Additionally, the squad reflects broader workload planning: Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are expected to be rested from the ODI leg to manage their bodies ahead of a heavy T20 international calendar, particularly with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 looming.
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The context: India vs New Zealand 2025-26
The series is part of New Zealand’s tour of India in January 2025-26, which features three ODIs followed by five T20 Internationals. This winter white-ball leg serves multiple purposes: India will look to test combinations, build momentum in the 50-over format, and expedite preparations ahead of global events later in the year.
Gill’s return as captain cements a new leadership chapter in India’s white-ball cricket, representing a shift toward a long-term core after transitional phases in recent seasons. With Iyer’s vice-captaincy contingent on fitness, selectors are clearly investing in experienced batters delivering at the top and middle of the order.
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What does this mean for India’s ODI aspirations?
The series against New Zealand offers India a platform to solidify a settled unit. The return of Iyer, if confirmed fit, adds firepower and tactical flexibility in the middle order – a role he has excelled in across formats. Siraj’s inclusion shrewdly strengthens the bowling depth, adding aggression and control with the new ball.
At the same time, the choices to rest certain senior all-format stars and favour fit, targeted squads for the ODIs underscore India’s current emphasis on workload management and role clarity as they juggle a packed international calendar. With competition for places intensifying, consistent performances in this series could have significant ramifications for selection dynamics ahead of marquee global tournaments.
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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2026
India’s squad for @IDFCFIRSTBank ODI series against New Zealand announced.
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