No Sanju Samson and Mohammed Shami in India’s ODI squad for New Zealand series as Aakash Chopra picks his 15-member team

As the Indian cricket team pivots toward a busy 2026 schedule, former opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has officially weighed in with his preferred 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The series, which kicks off on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara, serves as a crucial building block for the ODI setup following a highly competitive 2025. Chopra’s selection focuses on a rigid blend of returning stalwarts and in-form youngsters, though his categorical exclusion of Sanju Samson and Mohammed Shami could have been point of discussion.

Aakash Chopra picks Indian squad for New Zealand ODI series

Aakash Chopra on the return of captain Shubman Gill and the top order

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra outlined a squad that prioritizes continuity and established roles over experimental changes. He was definitive about the return of Shubman Gill to the captaincy and the structure of the top three, which leaves no room for recent century-maker Yashasvi Jaiswal in the starting XI.

“Gill is fit and available, and he will be back as a captain. There will be no questions there. Rohit Sharma will be seen opening with him, which means Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century, but he will have to wait. At No. 3, Player of the Series Virat Kohli, who is looking like a man on a mission.” Chopra said.

Middle order solutions and the KL Rahul factor

Chopra also addressed the middle-order gap left by Shreyas Iyer, who is expected to miss the series. He elaborated on the likely replacements, emphasizing the need for consistency and rewarding those who have been part of the system.

“The update on Shreyas Iyer is that he won’t be available for this series. So don’t be surprised if his name is not there, and if his name is not there, Ruturaj continues at No. 4. At No. 5, I have got KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper, as a batter, and maybe as a vice-captain in the side.” the former Indian cricketer added.

Washington Sundar’s role and selection logic

A significant portion of Chopra’s analysis focused on maintaining depth in both the bowling and batting departments. He emphasized that despite recent rotations, players like Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma provide the necessary balance to the squad’s structure.

“After that, there is a place for Washington Sundar in my team. Although Washi didn’t play the last match and Tilak Varma played in his place, I will keep both Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma because continuity is important.” the ex-Indian opener stated.

The all-rounder debate and Mohammed Siraj’s recall

Chopra’s considerations for the squad centered on a shift in the spin hierarchy and a demand for the return of seasoned pace. He noted that recent performances have placed Axar Patel ahead of veteran Ravindra Jadeja in the race for long-term ODI spots.

“After that, there is a call that who should be taken between Axar and Jaddu… Jaddu’s performance was slightly fifty-fifty in the last series. So I think Axar Patel is ahead of him in the race from a long-term perspective. One between the two, not both of them. After that, I am saying bring Siraj back. It’s enough now.” the cricketer-turned commentator explained.

Also READ: IND vs NZ 2026: India’s 15 member squad for the ODI series against New Zealand – Predicted

Harshit Rana’s rise and the seam department

Chopra highlighted the emergence of Harshit Rana as a primary pace option, noting his match-winning contributions in recent tours. He believes Rana has earned his spot through consistent performances, particularly in high-pressure situations against South Africa.

“After that, I have kept Harshit Rana. He won you a game. He did well in Sydney and his performance against South Africa was also good. After that, I am saying bring Siraj back… So Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. This is the story close to my XI.” the New Delhi born cricketer highlighted.

Spin depth: The Kuldeep Yadav contingency

When discussing the bowling variety, Chopra included Kuldeep Yadav as the X-factor who can adjust to the conditions of the pitch. He noted that Kuldeep remains the primary option if the surface offers any assistance to spin or if dew is not an expected factor.

“Kuldeep Yadav can come in that if there is no dew. You can drop a fast bowler and play Kuldeep Yadav. So at No. 12, I have got Kuldeep Yadav. After that, I will keep Prasidh Krishna in the team. I need an extra fast bowler.” Chopra discussed.

The Rishabh Pant inclusion and bench strength

Finally, Chopra addressed the backup wicketkeeping slot, defending his choice of Rishabh Pant over other contenders. He argued that Pant’s pedigree justifies his spot, even amidst a “ruckus” regarding other potential candidates like Ishan Kishan or Dhruv Jurel.

“At No. 14, I will keep Rishabh Pant, although there was a ruckus as to why Rishabh Pant needs to be kept, that Ishan Kishan or Dhruv Jurel can be kept. You can keep anyone, but also tell what Rishabh Pant’s mistake is. I am not picking Varun Chakaravarthy. I am getting Yashasvi Jaiswal, just in case you need him.” Chopra concluded.

Aakash Chopra’s Indian squad for NZ ODI series : Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Also READ: Reason why Shreyas Iyer will miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand