IND vs NZ: Why will Rishabh Pant & Shreyas Iyer join India's ODI squad late for New Zealand series?

Both Pant and Iyer are currently participating in India’s premier 50–over domestic tournament.

India have begun their preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ), set to start on January 11, with the squad assembling in Baroda.

While most of the players have reported on time, two key names – Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will join the camp a little later. The reason for their delay is that they are fulfilling their commitments in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The selectors and team management have officially permitted both players to complete their domestic matches before joining the national team. Pant is currently leading Delhi, while Iyer is representing Mumbai in India’s Premier 50–over domestic competition.

Pant is rewarded for domestic commitment

Rishabh Pant’s arrival comes as no surprise. The left-hander is currently leading Delhi and has been in decent touch in the competition, scoring 212 runs in six matches at an average of 42.4, including two half-centuries.

His performances have played a significant role in maintaining the selectors’ confidence in him, especially at a time when there was speculation that Ishan Kishan could replace him in the ODI team. The explosive wicketkeeper batter has been picked as a backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul for this series.

Although he hasn’t participated in international cricket since August 2024, he has shown his commitment by regularly playing in domestic cricket. The selectors are set to have appreciated this attitude, which further strengthened his case for selection.

For Rishabh, this series is also an important opportunity to push for a more regular role in the limited-overs side. With competition for the wicket-keeper spot becoming intense, every innings will matter.

Iyer was declared fit by the BCCI

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer will play Mumbai’s final league match against Punjab on January 8 before joining the Indian team setup. The middle-order batter has been on the comeback trail after undergoing spleen surgery and has not played for India since October 2025.

Encouragingly, Shreyas has looked sharp in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh. He smashed a quick 82 off 53 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, showing both confidence and clean hitting.

In a major boost for Indian cricket ahead of the home ODI series against New Zealand, Iyer has received full medical clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Iyer’s return is a big boost for India. As the vice-captain and a key middle-order player, his presence had stability and experience, especially against a strong New Zealand side.

Team India gears up in Baroda

The rest of the Indian squad will begin their preparations with the first net session scheduled for January 8. The coaching staff and selectors are confident that the late arrival of Pant and Iyer will not disrupt preparations.

The schedule will continue as planned, ensuring the team is well prepared before the series opener. With a mix of returning players and in-form performers, Team India will aim to start the series on a positive note, as all eyes will be on how Pant and Iyer slot back into the team setup after their respective breaks.

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