Story by Bahari Duniya | Written by Ranjan Sharma
Shubman Gill Set to Captain, Bumrah and Hardik Given Break
The selectors are expected to announce India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on January 3, sources told TOI. The Indian team is set to gather in Vadodara on January 7 ahead of the series opener, which will be played at the same venue on January 11. The second and third ODIs are scheduled for January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore respectively.
According to a senior BCCI official, the national selection panel led by former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar is scheduled to conduct a virtual meeting on January 3 to finalise the squad.
The ODI segment of the tour is likely to attract major interest, with senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set to return to the 50-over format for the first time since the December series against South Africa. India have already announced their squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 21, while the visitors have confirmed their squads for both formats as well.
After overcoming a neck issue, captain Shubman Gill is expected to take charge of the side. Gill was recently omitted from India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the comeback of ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been pushed back, with the batter set to spend another week in rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
As part of a broader workload management strategy, India are expected to give key players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah a break from the upcoming series against New Zealand. The duo have not featured in India’s last two ODI assignments, and with the T20 World Cup approaching, the team management is focused on ensuring they remain in peak physical condition.
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The selectors also face a key decision regarding the backup wicketkeeper’s role. They could opt for in-form Uttar Pradesh batter Dhruv Jurel, who has amassed 307 runs in just three outings at a staggering average of 153.5, highlighted by an unbeaten 160 off 101 deliveries against Baroda in Rajkot on December 29. Alternatively, the panel may turn to Ishan Kishan if they choose to slot him in as Rishabh Pant’s deputy behind the stumps.