IND vs NZ: India's strongest playing 11 for ODI series ft. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will start on January 11.

India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ) has been announced. Captain Shubman Gill has returned from injury and is set to open the innings, while Ruturaj Gaikwad misses out on selection despite scoring a century in his last ODI appearance.

Shreyas Iyer is also making a comeback after recovering from an injury sustained during the Australia tour last year. Iyer played a key role in India‘s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025 and had been the team’s regular No. 4 before his injury.

Senior players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for this series to manage their workload ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. With New Zealand being a strong and competitive side, India will look to test their strength while maintaining dominance at home.

On that note, let’s take a look at India’s strongest possible playing XI for the ODI series against New Zealand.

Indian Cricket Team playing 11 for ODI series – Predicted

1. Rohit Sharma

There is no question about Rohit Sharma’s place in the side now. The 38-year-old Mumbai batter has been in sensational form and is currently the No. 1 batter in the ICC ODI rankings, showcasing his dominance at the highest level.

His experience at the top of the order, especially in pressure situations, makes him invaluable to the team. Rohit’s ability to provide solid starts while also accelerating when needed gives India a strong foundation in ODIs. He will be seen opening the innings with the captain, Shubman Gill.

2. Shubman Gill (C)

Shubman Gill sustained an injury to his right foot and was ruled out of the South Africa series. He has now returned after completing his treatment and will lead the team against New Zealand. Gill has been exceptional in ODIs so far, averaging close to 56 after 58 innings.

His ability to adapt and score according to the situation makes him a perfect one-day player. Over the last few years, Gill has established himself as one of India’s most reliable batters in the format, capable of playing both the anchor and aggressor roles.

3. Virat Kohli

The number three position is firmly reserved for the great Virat Kohli. He is once again enjoying his cricket like the old days, and scoring runs with remarkable ease. In the ODI series against South Africa, Kohli scored 302 runs in just three matches at a staggering average of 151.

What stood out most was his approach; he played fearless cricket, taking the attack to the bowlers and hitting more boundaries than usual. Following that series, Kohli featured in two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he continued his fine form by registering one century and one half-century.

Currently ranked second in the ICC ODI rankings, Kohli looks hungry for more runs and remains a vital pillar of India’s batting lineup.

4. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer sustained an injury during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney, which kept him out of action for several months as he underwent rehabilitation. The right-handed batter is now fully fit and has already returned to competitive cricket, featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

In a major boost for India, he has received full medical clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). Shreyas has been India’s settled number four in ODIs and has played several memorable innings at the position, consistently stabilising the middle order.

He was also a key contributor in India’s Champions Trophy triumph last year, playing crucial knocks under pressure. His return, if cleared, will significantly strengthen India’s batting lineup and add much-needed solidity in the middle order.

5. KL Rahul (WK)

KL Rahul is one of the most important ODI batters in the Indian side. His ability to adapt and perform in any role, be it opening, batting in the middle order, or finishing the innings, makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

Rahul’s calm approach under pressure and sound technique allow him to adjust according to match situations and team requirements. He is set to return as the wicketkeeper-batter, donning the gloves while strengthening India’s middle order with his experience and reliability.

6. Ravindra Jadeja

The experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will provide crucial balance to the team with his contributions in both the batting and bowling departments.

The left-arm spinner and left-handed batter offers the option of powerful hitting down the order, along with the assurance of completing his full quota of 10 overs, making him a vital component of the ODI setup.

7. Nitish Kumar Reddy

India might opt for a right-arm seam-bowling all-rounder to add depth to the lineup. With Hardik Pandya rested for the series, Reddy can provide a similar balance to the side, offering much-needed firepower in the lower middle order along with a few useful overs with the ball. It is the best time for Reddy to showcase his all-round skills in the 50-over format.

8. Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana has been a regular feature in India’s white-ball teams for quite some time now, and the team management sees him as a prospect. With Jasprit Bumrah being rested to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup, Harshit’s role in the side becomes even more important, as he is expected to lead the pace attack in this series.

The management also views him as a valuable option with the bat, capable of contributing quick runs down the order when required.

9. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is the go-to spinner for the Indian team in white-ball cricket. The left-arm wrist-spinner can generate a sharp turn on any surface, whether it is a flat batting wicket or a slow, turning track. His ability to break partnerships and take crucial wickets in the middle overs makes him a huge asset for the side.

Kuldeep also brings valuable experience to the bowling unit and often plays a key role in controlling the run flow while picking wickets at regular intervals, which gives the fast bowlers relief at the other end.

10. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj is set to make his comeback to the ODI side after a long gap. He last featured in the ODI series against Australia, and before that, he was left out of the Champions Trophy squad.

He also wasn’t picked for the ODI series against South Africa. With Jasprit Bumrah rested to manage his workload, this series presents a golden opportunity for Siraj to step up, lead the pace attack, and make a strong case for his permanent return in the Indian team.

11. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh offers the team the crucial option of a left-arm pace bowler. He has been part of India’s ODI setup for some time and brings variety to the bowling attack. While Prasidh Krishna is also in contention, his recent poor form may push the team management to rely on Arshdeep.

He can swing the ball both ways and bowl in pressure situations, especially in the powerplay and death overs. His inclusion provides balance and adds depth to India’s pace department.

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