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3 players who could get dropped from Indian ODI team after series loss to New Zealand

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Published at :January 19, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Modified at :January 19, 2026 at 3:04 PM
3 players who could get dropped from Indian ODI team after series loss to New Zealand

Indian Cricket Team suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to New Zealand Cricket Team in the three-match ODI series.

Team India suffered a rare ODI series defeat at home as New Zealand clinched the three-match series 2-1, marking their first ODI series win in India. Despite winning the opening match, India were unable to close out the series, going down in Indore, where series decider took place.

The Kiwis set a target of 338 after yet another commanding century by Daryl Mitchell, well supported by Glenn Phillips’ hundred. Virat Kohli once again stood tall, keeping India in the hunt with a fighting century. Lower down the order, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana showed promise, adding vital half-centuries to revive hopes of an unlikely chase. However, despite the late resistance, India eventually fell short by 41 runs in Indore.

Beyond the result, the series has triggered serious questions about the team’s balance and individual performances. Inconsistent batting from key players, lack of impact from certain senior names, and questionable contributions in crunch moments have raised doubts over their place in the ODI setup.

As India looks ahead to bigger challenges, this defeat has intensified discussions around accountability and whether some players should make way for fresh, in-form alternatives in the ODI squad.

3 players who should be dropped from Team India after loss to New Zealand

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy (Image Source: BCCI)

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s place in Team India ODI setup has come under scrutiny following the series loss to New Zealand. Despite being part of the national setup for a while, his impact in the 50-over format has been limited. Reddy featured in the away series against Australia and the recent home series versus New Zealand.

Apart from his half-century in the final match against New Zealand, Reddy has struggled to make consistent contributions. His opportunities with the ball have also been few and largely ineffective. With Hardik Pandya gradually returning and workload management being a factor, Reddy’s extended run appears more transitional than performance-driven, raising questions about his role in India’s ODI plans.

2. Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 25: Prasidh Krishna of India bowls during game three of the One Day International series between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

Team India’s ODI series loss to New Zealand has once again highlighted the lack of a settled seam-bowling combination. While Mohammed Siraj showed signs of returning to rhythm and Harshit Rana made notable contributions, the role of the third seamer remains a concern.

The team management continued to back Prasidh Krishna across the last two home series. The pacer, although picked wickets, his impact has been inconsistent. A high economy rate also reflects his tendency to leak runs, allowing opposition batters to maintain momentum. With control and consistency crucial in ODIs, Prasidh’s performances have raised serious questions about his place in India’s current setup.

1. Ravindra Jadeja

IND vs NZ: 3 big reasons why Ravindra Jadeja should be dropped from 2nd ODI
CUTTACK, INDIA – FEBRUARY 9: Ravindra Jadeja of India celebrates after taking the wicket of Brydon Cares of England during 2nd ODI India and England at Barabati Stadium on February 9, 2025 in Cuttack, India. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media/Getty Images)

Ravindra Jadeja’s recent form has emerged as a worrying sign for India as they prepare for the 50-over World Cup next year. In the last two ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, the all-rounder has struggled to make an impact with either bat or ball.

Jadeja managed to score less than 100 runs across both series, failing to provide stability in the middle order. His bowling returns have been equally underwhelming, going wicketless against New Zealand and picking up just one wicket versus South Africa. Adding to the concern, his economy rate stood at a costly 6.22, raising questions over his effectiveness in the ODI setup.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup less than a year away, it needs to seen if any of the players get dropped. Team India will need a settled, well balanced squad if they are to make a claim on the big prize.

Why did India lose the ODI series to New Zealand at home?

Team India’s inconsistent bowling, lack of middle-order support, and expensive seam options proved costly across key moments.

Which Indian players have come under scrutiny after the series loss to New Zealand?

Performances of Players like Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prasidh Krishna have raised concerns due to lack of impact.

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Vishwajit Sawant
Vishwajit Sawant

Vishwajit Sawant is a sports content writer with two years of experience who believes in writing that feels honest, simple, and easy to read. He enjoys breaking down sporting moments into stories readers can genuinely connect with, without relying on fancy vocabulary. His work spans cricket, football, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, with a focus on match previews, reviews, and reports. Vishwajit believes good content doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to leave a subtle impact.