Former opening batsman Aakash Chopra has shared his favorite Indian team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11. Chopra chose Shubman Gill to lead the team after missing the recent ODI series against South Africa, while Sanju Samson was not included in his selected squad.
Samson has been out of the ODI setup since December 2023, when he scored a match-winning century against South Africa in Paarl. Rishabh Pant has been the reserve wicketkeeper for KL Rahul, who is India’s first choice behind the stumps in the format. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will bring enthusiasm to the fans.
Aakash Chopra selected India’s team for New Zealand ODI
Aakash Chopra, in a video shared on his Instagram, said that Shubman Gill will return as the Indian captain and will open the batting along with Rohit Sharma. Chopra said that he has no doubts about Virat Kohli winning the Player of the Series against South Africa.
Chopra said, “Gill is fit and available, and he will be back as captain. There will be no question about it. Rohit Sharma will be seen opening with him, which means Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century, but he will have to wait. At No. 3 is Player of the Series Virat Kohli, who seems to be on a mission.”
The former opener said that Ruturaj Gaikwad will play at No. 4, with Shreyas Iyer likely to be unavailable. Chopra placed KL Rahul at number 5 in the team as a batsman and wicketkeeper.
He said, “The update about Shreyas Iyer is that he will not be available for this series. So don’t be surprised if his name is not in it, and if his name is not there, then Ruturaj will continue at No. 4. At No. 5, I have got KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper, as a batsman and probably as the vice-captain in the team.”
Aakash Chopra chose all-rounders in his Indian team
The cricketer turned commentator said the selectors should make a clear choice between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja as left-arm spin all-rounders. He said that either Akshar or Jadeja can be included in the team.
“After that, it is decided who should be taken between Axar and Jaddu. Sometimes, you think Axar Patel will play five T20 matches, so Jaddu can be kept here and Axar can be kept there, but Jaddu’s performance in the last series was a bit fifty-fifty. So I think from a long-term perspective Axar Patel is ahead of him in the race. One of the two, not both of them,” Chopra said.
Chopra also backed Washington Sundar and Tilak Verma in his preferred XI. He said that both the players add depth to the batting. Sundar could not play in the last match, while Tilak took part.
He said, “After this, there is a place for Washington Sundar in my team. Although Washi did not play the last match and Tilak Verma played in his place, but I will keep both Washington Sundar and Tilak Verma because continuity is important.”
Aakash Chopra finalizes India’s bowling attack
Aakash Chopra favored Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh as his first-choice fast bowlers. He added flexibility to his bowling plans by keeping Kuldeep Yadav as an option, especially in dew-free conditions, where a fast bowler could make room for the left-arm wrist spinner.
“After that, I kept Harshit Rana. He wins you a game. He did well in Sydney and he had a good performance against South Africa as well. After that, I am saying bring Siraj back. That’s enough now. So Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. This is the story of my eleven closer,” Chopra said.
Chopra also included Prasidh Krishna to ensure additional pace depth, preferring a specialist paceman over an all-round option. He named Rishabh Pant as the reserve wicketkeeper and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup opener.
“If there is no dew, Kuldeep Yadav can come in. You can remove a fast bowler and play Kuldeep Yadav. So at No. 12, I have taken Kuldeep Yadav. After that, I will keep Prasidh Krishna in the team. I need an extra fast bowler. You don’t play Nitish Kumar Reddy at all. That’s why I have not named him in the team. I will keep a proper fast bowler whom I can play,” he explained.
Aakash Chopra’s Indian team for IND vs NZ 2026 ODI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Tilak Verma, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Also read: Gautam Gambhir’s dismissal, new T20 captain…: Three big changes that will reshape Indian cricket in 2026
