IND vs NZ: 5 players who could be dropped from India's ODI squad for New Zealand series

India and New Zealand will lock horns in a three-match ODI series.

India are gearing up for the white-ball series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ), where both sides will clash in three ODIs and five T20Is. The ODI series will be played first, with the opening game scheduled to take place on January 11 in Vadodara.

The New Zealand ODIs will be the first assignment for the Men in Blue in 2026. After the campaign, the focus will shift to the T20I format as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from February to March.

India gave a brilliant performance in the previous ODI series against South Africa at home, winning the campaign 2-1. While many players are expected to be retained in India’s squad for the New Zealand ODIs, a few might be overlooked by selectors.

On that note, below are the top 5 players who could be dropped from India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series.

5. Rishabh Pant

Although Rishabh Pant was part of India’s squad in the previous ODI series against South Africa, he was left out of the playing XI in all three games. KL Rahul, who captained the Men in Blue in the series, took the role of wicket-keeper batter.

Hence, Pant might be dropped from the New Zealand campaign. The left-handed batsman last played an ODI in August 2024 against Sri Lanka.

4. Yashasvi Jaiswal

As Shubman Gill was ruled out of the previous ODI series against the Proteas due to a neck injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal was picked as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma. The left-handed batter hammered a match-winning ton in the third ODI, propelling the team to victory in the series-deciding game.

He also won the Player of the Match award in the encounter, registering his maiden ton in the 50-over format. However, since Gill is all set to take the reins of the side against New Zealand, Jaiswal might lose his place in the squad.

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy is an emerging all-rounder in Indian cricket. He has made his debut in all three formats. Despite being part of the ODI squad against the Proteas, the seam all-rounder was not inducted into the playing XI in any matches.

Since the ODI series against New Zealand will be played at home and spin all-rounders will be more beneficial, Reddy might be overlooked in the squad.

2. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar failed to make a mark in the previous campaign against the Proteas, getting out cheaply for 13 and 1 in the first two games.

He also went wicketless in both matches before getting dropped from the playing XI in the final encounter. Hence, selectors might overlook Sundar in the New Zealand ODIs.

1. Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana is an emerging pacer in the Indian Cricket Team, who has already made his debut in all three formats. In the previous ODI campaign against South Africa, he clinched a three-wicket haul in the opening game.

However, he was highly expensive in the second clash, leaking 70 runs in his 10-over spell. Moreover, he failed to grab any wickets in the third game. As a result, the management might look for more experienced options in the pace department for the New Zealand ODIs.

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