The Indian cricket team is gearing up to face New Zealand in a limited-overs series in January 2026, featuring three ODIs followed by five T20Is. As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finalizes the ODI squad, anticipation builds around which players will make the cut and who might miss out. The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to hold an online meeting on January 3 or 4 to finalize the squad.

Expected Return of Senior Players

The ODI leg of the series is particularly significant due to the expected return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the 50-over format. Both players have been in excellent form, as demonstrated in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli scored a century and a half-century, while Sharma also scored a century. Their inclusion would undoubtedly strengthen India's top order. Shubman Gill is also set to return to the ODI squad and is likely to captain the side.

The Contenders

Several players are vying for a spot in the ODI squad based on their domestic performances.

• Shreyas Iyer: The vice-captain is aiming for a comeback after recovering from injury. If he gets medical clearance and proves his fitness in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he is likely to be included in the squad.
• Ishan Kishan: Kishan is in excellent form and is likely to replace Rishabh Pant in the squad. He was also included in the T20 World Cup squad.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: Jaiswal made a strong statement in Gill's absence, scoring a century against South Africa. However, he may have to return to the bench with the return of Gill, Sharma and Kohli.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad: Gaikwad also scored a century in the ODI series against South Africa. He could provide stability to the middle order.

Possible Misses

• Rishabh Pant: Pant, who was part of the squad in 2025 but did not play a single game, could lose his spot to Ishan Kishan.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah is expected to miss out on the ODI series to manage his workload, keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup.
• Hardik Pandya: Hardik Pandya is also expected to be rested for the ODI series.

Workload Management

Given the proximity of the T20 World Cup 2026, the selectors are expected to prioritize workload management. This could mean resting key players like Bumrah and Pandya, who are crucial for the T20I series and the World Cup.

Series Details

The ODI series will be played across three venues: Vadodara (January 11), Rajkot (January 14), and Indore (January 18). Following the ODI series, the five-match T20I series will be held in Nagpur (January 21), Raipur (January 23), Guwahati (January 25), Visakhapatnam (January 28), and Thiruvananthapuram (January 31).

The announcement of the ODI squad is expected on January 3 or 4, 2026. The series will be a crucial opportunity for players to prove their mettle and secure their place in the Indian squad for future tournaments.