Image credit-ipl
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss NZ ODIs; Set to Return for Crucial T20I Series Ahead of T20 World Cup
Summary: India is set to rest Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah from the New Zealand ODI series to keep them fresh for the T20 World Cup, with both expected to return for the five-match T20I series starting January 21.
Team India is expected to rest star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, as the team management prioritises preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup.
According to sources, both players are likely to return for the five-match T20I series that follows immediately after the ODIs, making the shorter format the main focus of India’s planning.
India vs New Zealand Schedule Overview
ODI Series
- 1st ODI: January 11 – Baroda
- 2nd ODI: January 14 – Rajkot
- 3rd ODI: January 18 – Indore
T20I Series
- 1st T20I: January 21 – Nagpur
- 2nd T20I: January 23 – Raipur
- 3rd T20I: January 25 – Guwahati
- 4th T20I: January 28 – Visakhapatnam
- 5th T20I: January 31 – Thiruvananthapuram
The ODI squad is expected to be announced around January 4–5, while the full team will assemble in Baroda on January 7.
Why Bumrah & Pandya Are Being Rested
The decision to rest the duo is part of a carefully monitored workload management strategy.
Hardik Pandya has not played an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March, largely due to fitness concerns.
Jasprit Bumrah last featured in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup final, with the BCCI closely tracking his workload due to his importance in global tournaments.
Both players are seen as irreplaceable assets for India’s T20 World Cup defence, prompting the management to avoid unnecessary risk in the ODI series.
Pandya to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy
Despite skipping the ODIs, Hardik Pandya is likely to represent Baroda in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, complying with the BCCI’s mandatory domestic participation rule.
He is expected to feature in two of Baroda’s remaining three league matches on:
- January 3
- January 6
- January 8
(all scheduled in Rajkot)
Kohli, Rohit & Other Stars: Latest Updates
Virat Kohli will return for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare match against Railways on January 6 in Alur before joining the ODI squad.
Rohit Sharma has completed his domestic commitments for Mumbai and will directly join the national team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is recovering from illness and is expected to play a couple of VHT matches before joining the ODI camp.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will soon link up with the Mumbai squad.
Shreyas Iyer Fitness Watch
There is still uncertainty over Shreyas Iyer’s return. The Mumbai batter, who underwent surgery for a spleen injury, is currently training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
He may play Mumbai’s January 3 match against Maharashtra to test his fitness. While his inclusion in the ODI squad remains unclear, sources indicate that Iyer is leaving nothing to chance.
Big Picture: T20 World Cup Priority
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, India’s strategy is clear - protect key players, manage workloads, and peak at the right time. Resting Bumrah and Pandya from the ODIs is seen as a forward-thinking move rather than a risk.
Keywords: Hardik Pandya New Zealand ODIs,Jasprit Bumrah workload management,India vs New Zealand 2026 schedule
Post a Comment