India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand will be announced on January 3, TOI has learned. The team will gather in Vadodara on January 7, with the series kicking off on January 11 in the same city. The remaining two matches are scheduled for January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore.
“The national selection committee, led by former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, will hold an online meeting on January 3 to finalize the squad,” a BCCI source confirmed.
This ODI series is expected to draw massive attention, especially since superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back in action for the first time since the ODI series against South Africa in December.
India have already named their squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21, and the Kiwis have announced both their squads as well.
Captain Shubman Gill, who recently recovered from a neck injury and was dropped from India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, is set to lead the team. However, ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s return has been delayed as he continues rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for another week.
In a strategic move to manage workload, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested for the series. Both have already missed the last two ODI series, and with the T20 World Cup approaching, the team management wants to ensure they’re fresh and fit.
One of the biggest selection debates will be around the second wicketkeeper spot. Will the selectors pick Uttar Pradesh’s red-hot Dhruv Jurel, who’s smashed 307 runs in three matches at an average of 153.5, including an unbeaten 160 off 101 balls against Baroda on December 29?
Or will they go with Ishan Kishan as Rishabh Pant’s backup? That decision could define India’s middle-order depth.
