Why was Hardik Pandya not named in Indian ODI squads for IND vs NZ series?
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Hardik Pandya played his last game for India during the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad.
On Friday, the Indian selection committee announced two squads for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. India are scheduled to tour New Zealand, where the two teams will face each other in two tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is.
This tour will kick off on October 22 (Thursday) with the first T20I at Hagley Oval, while the T20I series will end on November 1 at Seddon Park. After a two-day break, these two sides will compete in five ODIs.
The ODI series will be played between November 4 and 15, and these matches will take place in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui (fourth and fifth ODIs), respectively.
Shubman Gill will lead the team in the first three ODIs, and Shreyas Iyer will be the vice-captain. However, Gill, along with KL Rahul, has been rested for the final two ODIs, as they are part of the two tests against New Zealand, later in November.
IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya not part of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand due to fitness issues
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Iyer will be leading the team in the last two games in the absence of Gill, while Ishan Kishan will be his deputy. Tilak Varma, Yash Thakur, Kumar Kushagra, and Aquib Nabi will join the squad for the last two matches.
Mohammed Shami is not picked, and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also not part of the squad. Hardik, who is a key part of the Indian white-ball setup, has been out of action since the IPL 2026. He played his last match for India in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand.
Earlier, there was some news that he might make his comeback against New Zealand, but he is not fit to be in action. The all-rounder is struggling with a series of injuries and sustained symptomatic right tibial bone stress response (shin injury).
That has kept him away from the field. He is currently at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for his rehab program. The Indian management doesn’t want to risk him and wants him to prove his full fitness by bowling the full quota of 10 overs.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup just one year away, Hardik’s fitness can be crucial for India. His all-round skills can come in handy for India during the ICC event, which is why the BCCI and the Indian camp want to prioritize his complete physical recovery.
When will the IND vs NZ ODI series start?
The IND vs NZ ODI series will be played between November 4 in Auckland.
When did Hardik Pandya play his last match for India?
Hardik Pandya played his last game for India during the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad.
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