IND vs NZ: Why were Hardik Pandya & Jasprit Bumrah not picked in India's ODI squad against New Zealand?
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The ODI series will begin on January 11.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) picked the Indian team for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ) today, January 3, 2026. This news has already sparked several discussions among fans.
Shubman Gill is back to captain the side for the matches starting January 11 in Vadodara. This is a big test for the young opener’s leadership skills. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in the team.
At the same time, the selectors have named Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain, though he still needs a medical green light from the Centre of Excellence to play. Interestingly, the committee retained Rishabh Pant in the team as a backup wicketkeeper alongside KL Rahul. It shows they still trust his big-hitting ability even if his recent white-ball form has been up and down.
The fast-bowling group includes a returning Mohammed Siraj, plus Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. Kuldeep Yadav stays as the main spinner. On the other hand, fans were quick to point out that Mohammed Shami is missing.
He didn’t cut, despite playing well in domestic cricket. After the first match, the series will move to Rajkot and Indore, allowing the team to try out different lineups. Even so, the fact that two major stars are missing is what everyone is talking about.
Why Pandya and Bumrah missed the cut?
Leaving out Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah comes down to a plan to keep players fresh. The team wants them at 100% for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February. Even though Pandya just hit a massive hundred for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the medical staff hasn’t cleared him to bowl 10 full overs in an ODI yet.
So, the trainers are being careful with his workload. They want him in top shape for next month’s T20 tournament, where his four-over spells are vital. The selectors have also decided to rest Bumrah, so he doesn’t burn out before the World Cup.
Since he is India’s most important bowler in T20Is, the team might feel that risking an injury in a bilateral ODI series doesn’t make sense for their long-term plans.
Both players will be back for the T20 series against the Black Caps. That series will be the final tune-up before the big tournament. Overall, this move shows that the BCCI is prioritizing preparation for the T20 World Cup over winning a bilateral series.
Why were Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah missing from the ODI squad?
The selectors are resting both players to manage their workload and ensure they are at peak fitness for the ICC T20 World Cup in February 2026.
Is Shubman Gill the permanent captain for this series?
Yes, the BCCI has appointed Shubman Gill to lead the side for all three matches against New Zealand, serving as a key test for his leadership.
Will Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah return for the T20I series?
Both stars will return for the subsequent T20I series against the Black Caps, which serves as a final rehearsal for the World Cup.
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