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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, set to begin on January 11.
The squad features 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 back as captain, no place for Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shubman Gill has been reinstated as captain after recovering from a neck spasm that ruled him out of recent international action. His return signals the selectors’ confidence in his leadership and consistency in the 50-over format. Gill will lead a batting unit packed with experience and depth as India look to start the series strongly.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is set to make his comeback following a spleen injury sustained during the Australia tour. If cleared by the medical team, he will take on the role of vice-captain, adding stability to India’s middle order. Iyer’s return comes at the expense of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been dropped despite scoring a century against South Africa in Raipur ODI, along with Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel.
Senior stars continue in their only active format
Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to represent India in ODIs, currently the only international format they remain active in. Both players recently featured for their respective domestic teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, underlining 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 wicketkeeping duties.
Bowling unit strengthened, Hardik Pandya ruled out
India’s pace attack receives a boost with the return of Mohammed Siraj, who rejoins the squad 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 final XI.
The most significant absentee is Hardik Pandya, who has not been cleared by the Centre of Excellence to bowl his full quota of overs. With the T20 World Cup just a month away, selectors have opted to manage his workload and rule him out of the series.
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India squad for New Zealand ODIs
Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh.
*Subject to fitness clearance
