Another controversial experiment by Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has brought him under criticism. Gambhir dropped Arshdeep Singh and retained Prasidh Krishna in the XI along with Harshit Rana, even though Krishna had very poor economy in last month’s South Africa series.
India begin their tour against New Zealand, which includes three ODIs to be played between January 11 and 18. The matches will be followed by a strict T20I schedule, which will be marked as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In the first game of the series, Gautam Gambhir has made some controversial decisions on the playing XI and surprised everyone by retaining the bowler who had the worst economy in the last series against South Africa.
Arshdeep Singh sat on the bench; India picked Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna along with Mohammed Siraj
Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss, which is a positive sign for India in the series. India is now winning the toss consistently in ODIs, as Rahul had also won the toss in the 3rd ODI against South Africa.
Shubman Gill announced the playing eleven, and Arshdeep Singh missed his chance in the playing eleven despite taking 5 wickets in the previous series and having an economy of less than 5.5, which should have helped him retain his place.
Gambhir instead opted to go with Gujarat Titans fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who had the worst economy in the South Africa series. However, Krishna took valuable wickets in the last match of the series.
The two other fast bowlers who have been selected include Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana. Rana has every card to show why he should be a part of the eleven, and Siraj has been brought back into the squad along with Jasprit Bumrah as the new ball bowler for India for the 2027 World Cup.
Nitish Kumar Reddy not included in playing eleven after widespread criticism
Huge controversies emerged when all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was named in the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Hardik Pandya, although fit, was rested from the ODIs to keep him fresh for the ICC T20 World Cup.
Reddy was not named in the playing eleven, following criticisms claiming he was dropped from the team as he has not been able to perform much so far, but it should also be noted that he has featured in only 2 matches for India.
Ravindra Jadeja will play as number 1. There are 6 batsmen in the team, while the second spin all-rounder Washington Sundar has been placed at number. 7. India has fielded three pacers and three spinners for the Vadodara match.
“This is the GG era,” fans troll Gautam Gambhir for choosing the famous Krishna over Arshdeep Singh
Lord Parasidh Krishna is playing in place of Arshdeep because the opposing team needs more runs.
– Surya (@suryap_021) 11 January 2026
So you are telling me that we are going with Prasidh Krishna instead of Arshdeep Singh. Isn’t this obvious bias? pic.twitter.com/mE8Fb2fPPd
– Perk (@arrestagarkar) 11 January 2026
Joker Coach and Joker Management
– En#oM@resc@13579 (@Harry19877132) 11 January 2026
What else can you expect from this GG??
– Sports24x7 (@sports_talks247) 11 January 2026
I am really praying that for the first time India lost everything in cricket because when India won Gambhir started doing his job.
After all, who plays the game of Prasidh or Harshit over Arshdeep #arshdeepsingh #JusticeForArshdeep pic.twitter.com/HZqZ265P9c
– sarabjeet6392 (@sarabjeetereview) 11 January 2026
Why did you make BC Arshdeep sit… instead of him you are feeding Prasad, what a fool Gambhir is l#INDVSNZODI
– CheekooFanBoy (@cheekooFanBoy) 11 January 2026
Again the famous Arshdeep Jiji MC is playing ahead of Dub Maar Tu
– Aman (@AmanDVSJ) 11 January 2026
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