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Shubman Gill Reappointed India’s ODI Captain for New Zealand Series; Shreyas Iyer Returns, Pandya Rested

Summary: Shubman Gill is back as India’s ODI captain for the New Zealand series starting later this month. Shreyas Iyer returns as vice-captain subject to fitness clearance, while Hardik Pandya is rested with an eye on the T20 World Cup.


January 03, 2026 | Team India | ODI Cricket

In a major leadership reshuffle ahead of a busy international calendar, Shubman Gill has been reinstated as the captain of India’s men’s ODI team for the upcoming series against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Friday.

The selection committee has also named Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain, though his inclusion remains subject to medical clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence, underlining India’s cautious approach towards player fitness.

Gill Back at the Helm

Gill’s return as ODI captain comes after India’s successful home series against South Africa in November. The selectors have clearly shown confidence in the young opener’s leadership skills as India begins its final phase of preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next month.

Gill will lead a well-balanced squad that combines senior stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with emerging talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Shreyas Iyer’s Fitness Under Watch

According to the official BCCI release, Shreyas Iyer’s availability will depend on his fitness status, as he continues his recovery from a serious abdominal muscle injury sustained during India’s tour of Australia in October last year.

As part of his rehabilitation plan, Iyer is scheduled to represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur on Tuesday, January 6, which is expected to play a crucial role in determining his selection.

If cleared, Iyer’s presence will significantly strengthen India’s middle order, especially against a competitive New Zealand bowling attack.

Gaikwad Misses Out Despite Century

One of the notable exclusions from the squad is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been replaced by Gill and Iyer. Gaikwad was unlucky to miss out despite scoring a match-winning century at No. 4 against South Africa, even though he was originally picked only as a reserve opener.

Dhruv Jurel also makes way as the selectors opted for experience over experimentation.

Why Hardik Pandya Is Not in the Squad

The BCCI clarified that Hardik Pandya was not considered for the ODI series following medical advice. The Centre of Excellence medical team has recommended that Pandya avoid bowling 10-over spells to manage workload and prevent injury ahead of the T20 World Cup.

This decision highlights India’s growing emphasis on long-term player management rather than short-term results.

Pant Retained, Kishan Ignored

In the wicketkeeping department, Rishabh Pant has retained his place, with the selection committee choosing continuity and experience. As a result, Ishan Kishan once again misses out, indicating the team management’s firm backing of Pant in the ODI setup.

Squad Reflects World Cup Thinking

The squad selection clearly signals India’s broader strategy - balancing ODI commitments while safeguarding key players for the upcoming global event. With a strong spin unit, pace depth, and flexible batting order, India enters the New Zealand series as favourites.

India ODI Squad vs New Zealand (2026)

• Shubman Gill (Captain)

• Rohit Sharma

• Virat Kohli

• K.L. Rahul (Wicketkeeper)

• Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)*

• Washington Sundar

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Mohammed Siraj

• Harshit Rana

• Prasidh Krishna

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

• Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Arshdeep Singh

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

⭐Subject to fitness clearance

(Source-The Hindu)


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