The Indian men’s cricket team will kick off 2026 with a high-profile home ODI series against New Zealand, starting from January 11. The three-match ODI series is drawing huge attention as several senior players are set to return, while a few big names are likely to miss out due to fitness and workload management.
Below is a complete and easy-to-read update covering the India vs New Zealand ODI squad 2026, including expected team selections, player availability, schedule, venues, and all major talking points around the squad announcement.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | New Zealand Tour of India 2026 |
| Format | ODI (3 Matches) |
| Start Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Host | India |
| Touring Team | New Zealand |
India enter the series in strong form after winning recent ODI assignments and are expected to start as favourites on home conditions.
Read Also: India ODI Schedule 2026–2027
India vs New Zealand ODI 2026: Match Schedule & Venues
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | January 11, 2026 | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
| 2nd ODI | January 14, 2026 | Rajkot |
| 3rd ODI | January 18, 2026 | Indore |
All matches will begin at 1:30 PM IST.
India ODI Squad vs New Zealand 2026: Latest Selection Updates
The official ODI squad announcement is expected shortly, but several key updates are already clear:
Likely Captain
- Shubman Gill is expected to return and lead India in the ODI series.
Players Likely to Miss Out
- Hardik Pandya – expected to be rested for workload management
- Jasprit Bumrah – likely rested ahead of upcoming major tournaments
- Shreyas Iyer – continuing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence
Possible Comeback
- Mohammed Shami is strongly tipped to return after impressive recent performances.
Expected India ODI Squad vs New Zealand 2026
Based on current form, fitness status, and selection discussions, India’s probable ODI squad could look like this:
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma |
| Wicketkeepers | KL Rahul (WK), Dhruv Jurel |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar |
| Bowlers | Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj / Prasidh Krishna |
Final confirmation is expected once selectors conclude their meeting.
What About Rishabh Pant & Sanju Samson?
Rishabh Pant
- Has not played an ODI since August 2024
- Did not feature in recent ODI XIs
- Selection remains uncertain due to limited recent match exposure
Sanju Samson
- Scored a century in his last ODI
- Has not played List A cricket for a long time
- Faces tough competition from KL Rahul and emerging options
New Zealand ODI Squad for India Tour 2026
New Zealand have announced a balanced squad for the India ODI series, mixing experienced players with strong all-round depth. Michael Bracewell will lead the side, with key batters and pace options included for subcontinent conditions.
New Zealand ODI Squad – Full List
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Henry Nicholls, Will Young |
| All-Rounders | Michael Bracewell (Captain), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly |
| Bowling All-Rounders | Zakary Foulkes, Jayden Lennox |
| Wicketkeepers | Devon Conway, Mitchell Hay |
| Bowlers | Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Michael Rae |
India vs New Zealand ODIs: Head-to-Head Record
| Matches | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 62 | 50 | 7 | 1 |
India have enjoyed a dominant run against New Zealand in ODIs at home, including a clean sweep in their last bilateral series in India.
Read Also: India vs New Zealand ODI 2026 Tickets Booking Dates, Prices
Where to Watch India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026?
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Fans can follow all three ODIs live across television and digital platforms.
Why This ODI Series Is Important for India
- First ODI assignment of 2026
- Return of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
- Leadership responsibility for Shubman Gill
- Selection clarity ahead of future ICC events
- Opportunity for young players to cement ODI roles
Final Word
The India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026 promises exciting cricket with a mix of experience and fresh energy. While senior stars return to the spotlight, careful workload management could open doors for new faces. With home advantage and strong recent form, India will look to dominate the series and start 2026 on a winning note.
FAQs
Q1. When will India announce the ODI squad?
The squad announcement is expected around January 3–4, 2026.
Q2. Will Hardik Pandya play the ODI series?
Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested to manage workload.
Q3. Is Mohammed Shami returning for this series?
Yes, Mohammed Shami is expected to make a comeback.
Q4. Who will captain India in ODIs vs New Zealand?
Shubman Gill is expected to lead the side.
Q5. How many ODIs are scheduled?
Three ODIs will be played in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.
