Mumbai’s rising all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is reportedly on the verge of receiving his maiden call-up to the Indian One-Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. The decision comes as BCCI selectors look to manage workloads and build depth in the seam-bowling all-rounder department, an area of constant concern for the national setup.
Suryansh Shedge to be selected in India's ODI squad for NZ series?
Shedge, who has already featured in three T20 Internationals for India, is now firmly on the radar of India's interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha. According to a report by PTI, the young cricketer is likely to board the flight to New Zealand as part of an expanded squad designed to offer flexibility and rest to multi-format key players.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Test prep could open the door for Shedge
A primary catalyst behind Shedge’s potential inclusion is the strategic management of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy has emerged as India’s preferred seam-bowling all-rounder for Test cricket, serving a crucial dual role as a fourth seamer and a flexible lower-order batter. With a demanding two-match Test series against New Zealand scheduled right on the heels of the ODIs, the Indian team management is reluctant to over-exert him across all five 50-over matches.
The white-ball leg of the tour concludes with the fifth ODI in Tauranga on November 15, while the opening Test at Wellington begins on November 19. With November 16 serving as a mandatory travel day, the Test contingent will get merely two practice sessions—on November 17 and 18—to transition to red-ball cricket. To protect Reddy from physical fatigue and allow him to sharpen his red-ball preparations, the selection committee plans to manage his game time during the ODIs.
“Shedge has a very high chance of making it to the ODI squad simply because Nitish Kumar Reddy will have an important role to play in the Test series as the fourth seamer and a floater in the lower order. Hence, Reddy won’t play all the ODIs as he has to prepare for the red-ball games," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI.
Because Shedge mirrors Reddy’s core player profile, providing steady medium-pace overs alongside power-hitting and adaptability in the middle order—he stands out as the most natural substitute to plug the gap.
Stellar domestic form and India A performances catch the eye
Shedge’s prospective call-up is not merely a matter of tactical convenience; it is backed by a string of convincing domestic performances that turned the selectors' heads.
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While Shedge initially built his reputation in the domestic circuit as an aggressive, middle-order power hitter in white-ball cricket, his rapid evolution as a genuine all-rounder has made him a compelling option. What particularly impressed Pragyan Ojha and the selection panel is the visible improvement in his bowling output, transforming him from a part-time option into a dependable bowler capable of breaking partnerships.
This development was on full display during the three unofficial ODIs between India A and Australia A in Puducherry. Shedge delivered a standout all-round performance that cemented his case:
First Unofficial ODI: He showcased his bowling rhythm by picking up a decisive four-wicket haul, dissecting Australia A's batting lineup on a slow surface.
Third Unofficial ODI: He demonstrated his clutch batting temperament by scoring a vital half-century, guiding India A to a hard-fought consolation victory on October 11.
Proving his match-winning capabilities with both bat and ball against a high-quality international-standard opposition like Australia A provided the selectors with concrete proof that Shedge is ready for the demands of senior 50-over cricket.
Talking about his domestic journey, across eight First-Class appearances, the right-hander has posted 439 runs and picked up his maiden red-ball wicket. His 50-over profile is equally compelling, featuring 271 runs and 16 scalps from 17 List A outings, proving his knack for striking in the middle overs. In the shortest format, Shedge has proven his explosive capabilities over 33 T20 fixtures, compiling 364 runs paired with 13 crucial wickets.
India's search for fast-bowling all-rounders
India’s team management has long grappled with a scarcity of pace-bowling all-rounders. Hardik Pandya’s ongoing struggles with injury and workload restrictions have consistently forced the selection committee to search for durable alternatives. While Nitish Kumar Reddy has stepped up admirably, his own history of physical niggles early in his career makes relying solely on one backup risky.
Fast-bowling all-rounders remain one of the rarest assets in Indian cricket. Selecting Shedge for the New Zealand tour aligns with the BCCI's broader goal of expanding the talent pool and testing options well ahead of future multi-nation tournaments, including ODI World Cup 2027.
Why did BCCI delay India's ODI, Test squads announcement?
The selection committee’s slight delay in officially announcing the ODI squad stems from their desire to assess player workloads following domestic assignments and ensure a smooth transition across formats.
The five-match ODI series kicks off on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland, before moving through Wellington, Hamilton, and Tauranga. Given the fast, bouncy conditions typical of New Zealand grounds, a seam-bowling all-rounder like Shedge could thrive by utilizing the extra carry while providing depth to the batting order.
For Shedge, the tour presents a golden opportunity. From making waves in domestic cricket to earning an India A cap and now standing on the threshold of an ODI debut, his rise highlights the reward for continuous improvement. If named in the final squad, Shedge will be eager to translate his impressive domestic show into international success and establish himself as a long-term option in India's white-ball future.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have already announced their split ODI squad for the five-match outing against India.
NZ's ODI squad for India series (1-3):
Mitchell Santner (C) Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
NZ's ODI squad for India series (4-5):
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Blair Tickner, Will Young.