IND vs NZ: 3 players who should be picked in India's ODI squad based on VHT 2025-26 performances

The IND vs NZ ODI series will begin on January 11 with the opening game in Vadodara.

The Indian Cricket Team‘s first assignment in 2026 is the white-ball series against New Zealand, which will commence with the three-match ODI series on January 11. While the squad for the T20I series against the Black Caps has been announced, the ODI squad is expected to be picked by the selectors soon.

The ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 will have a huge impact on the team’s selection for the New Zealand ODIs.

Some Indian players have displayed stand-out performances in the domestic tournament for their respective state teams, justifying their selection for the ODI campaign against New Zealand.

On that note, below are the three players who should be picked in India’s ODI squad based on their good performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is captaining Maharashtra in VHT 2025-26. In the round four clash against Uttarakhand, the right-handed batsman hammered a stunning century. Batting at number four, Gaikwad slammed 124 runs after his team lost the top three batters inside 10 overs.

With his spectacular knock, he drove the scoreboard to 331/7 in the first innings, which was enough to outplay the opposition later by 129 runs. Gaikwad also impressed in the previous campaign against the Proteas, smacking a century in the second ODI in Raipur.

2. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan gave a big message to selectors with his impeccable century for Mumbai against Goa, hitting a quickfire 157 runs off 75 deliveries. Smacking 14 sixes and nine boundaries, the right-handed batsman took Mumbai’s total to 444/8 in the first innings. Playing a vital role in the team’s victory by 87 runs, Sarfaraz was adjudged Player of the Match.

With one century and one fifty across three games, Sarfaraz has proved his mettle with the bat and deserves a spot in India’s ODI squad against New Zealand. The remarkable thing is that he has played six Test matches, but has not yet made his debut in the 50-over format.

1. Mohammed Shami

Experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is attempting a comeback to the national team, having played his last match in the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025.

Representing Bengal in the Vijay Hazare, the right-arm pacer has clinched eight wickets across four games at an average of 23.75 and an economy of 5.53.

Bengal have won three games out of four so far in the tournament, with Shami playing a crucial role in the pace department. The 35-year-old has impressed in the 2025-26 domestic season, delivering stunning performances in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 earlier this year.

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