India ODI Squad Announcement Live Updates for New Zealand Series: Will Shami return & Pant to be dropped?

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 selectors will pick the ODI squad on Saturday, January 3rd.

This series will see the return of batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to action at the international level. The duo was last seen in action in the ongoing VHT. The Vijay Hazare Trophy 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. The BCCI selectors are expected to make some big decisions for the New Zealand ODI series.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s likely exclusion from the team, while the potential return of star fast bowler Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan are some of the key issues that will be discussed in the selection meeting.

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