Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) India’s 15-member squad has been announced for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11.
The squad has featured several high-profile returns, notable omissions and a clear focus on workload management ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, reflecting a careful balancing act by the selectors.
Shubman Gill returns as captain, no place for Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shubman Gill He has been reinstated as captain after recovering from the neck spasms that had ruled him out of international action until recently. His return shows that the selectors have confidence in his leadership and consistency in the 50-over format. Gill will lead a batting unit full of experience and depth as India look to make a strong start to the series.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is set to make a comeback after suffering a spleen injury during the Australia tour. If cleared by the medical team, he will take up the role of vice-captain, adding stability to India’s middle order. Iyer’s return has come at the expense of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been dropped Despite scoring a century against South Africa in Raipur ODIWith Tilak Verma and Dhruv Jurel.
Senior stars remain in their only active format
The experienced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to represent India in ODIs, the only international format in which they are currently active. Both players recently performed for their respective home teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, underscoring their commitment to maintaining match fitness and form.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included to provide cover at the top of the order, while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will handle the wicketkeeping duties.
Bowling unit strong, Hardik Pandya out
India’s pace attack has been boosted by the return of Mohammed Siraj, who has rejoined the team after being rested earlier. He will be supported by Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and emerging talent Harshit Rana.
The spin department includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been recalled to provide flexibility in the playing eleven.
The most notable absentee is Hardik Pandya, who has not been cleared by the Center of Excellence to bowl his full quota of overs. With the T20 World Cup just a month away, the selectors have opted to manage his workload and omit him from the series.
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Indian team for New Zealand ODI
Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL 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.
*Subject to fitness clearance