Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India’s Test and ODI squads for the upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand. As India shifts its focus toward overseas challenges and building depth across formats, the selection committee has opted for a strategic split-squad approach for the 50-over leg, a decision driven by overlapping scheduling commitments with the red-ball fixtures.
However, the team announcements also highlighted notable absences. The continued exclusion of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja has dominated headlines. Besides that Mohammed Shami, despite putting on a show in domestic circuit, failed to make it to India's ODI squad amidst all the talks around his comeback.
India's split ODI squads for New Zealand tour announced
One of the most eye-catching highlights of the squad announcement is the dynamic regarding leadership for the ODI series. Regular all-format star Shubman Gill will lead the side only for first three ODIs. However, keeping the subsequent Test series in mind, the selection panel has opted to rest Gill for the final two matches to allow him ample recovery and red-ball preparation time.
In Gill’s absence, Shreyas Iyer will take over the reins, captaining the side for the final two ODIs. Iyer, who has proven his tactical acumen and leadership qualities in various setups, gets another major opportunity to guide the team from the front.
The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who continue to anchor India's core in the 50-over format, alongside exciting emerging talents. The first three ODIs feature a robust side containing KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj, alongside rising names like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Anshul Kamboj. For the last two matches, the arrival of players like Tilak Varma and changes in the keeping and pace departments, such as the inclusion of Kumar Kushagra and Yash Thakur, demonstrate the team's willingness to test bench strength.
Hardik Pandya’s continued absence
The continued absence of Hardik Pandya remains a massive talking point for Indian cricket fans and analysts alike. Once the undisputed engine of India's white-ball balance—providing the crucial seam-bowling option while finishing matches with explosive power—Pandya has increasingly found himself on the sidelines due to recurring fitness roadblocks and strategic evaluation periods.
Hardik's unique skill set has always been exceptionally difficult to replace. Without his ability to bowl a full quota of medium-pace overs while slotting into the lower-middle order, team combinations are forced to alter significantly. The reliance shifts heavily toward developing multi-skilled emerging prospects like Nitish Kumar Reddy to bridge the heavy workload gap. While the team management continues to monitor Hardik's fitness and workload thresholds closely, his prolonged absence means India must continuously adapt their balance in limited-overs cricket, placing extra pressure on specialist batters and bowlers to carry dual loads.
No Place for Mohammed Shami
Another glaring omission from both the white-ball and red-ball setups is veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami. As India looks ahead to long-term cycles, including the 2027 ODI World Cup and ongoing World Test Championship requirements, the exclusion of Shami indicates that the selection committee is actively prioritizing younger profiles and managing the recovery and fitness of senior pacers.
Shami, who has been a stalwart of India's pace attack with his immaculate seam position and wicket-taking ability, has faced extended spells away from competitive action due to injuries. While names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna form the core of the pace battery across formats, the absence of Shami’s unmatched experience leaves a void in high-pressure bowling partnerships.
India’s ODI squad for the first three ODIs:
Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer [VC], KL Rahul [WK], Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna*, Kuldeep Yadav
India’s ODI squad for fourth and fifth ODIs:
Shreyas Iyer [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan [WK, VC], Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav
Alongside the ODI announcements, the BCCI confirmed a formidable Test squad led by Shubman Gill, featuring veteran pillars alongside young blood. KL Rahul has been named vice-captain, bringing immense stability to the top-order alongside explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The squad also includes seasoned anchors and rising stars like Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, supported by the spin wizardry of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. The pace department for the red-ball leg will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, aided by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj. With the Test series acting as a critical assignment away from home, the chosen combination aims to balance aggressive intent with the disciplined patience required in New Zealand's challenging conditions. As India prepares to embark on this demanding tour, the new look of the squads, marked by Shreyas Iyer’s leadership stint, the careful management of premier names, and the ongoing transition away from senior stalwarts, will offer a fascinating glimpse into the future direction of Indian cricket.
India’s Test squad:
Shubman Gill [C], Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul [VC], Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant [WK]*, Dhruv Jurel [WK], Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Note: *Subject to fitness clearance