India Announces ODI Squad for New Zealand Series; Shreyas Iyer Return Conditional, Shami Omitted

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named the 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, set to start on January 11 in Vadodara. The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent, with Shubman Gill appointed as captain.

A major highlight of the announcement is the conditional return of Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. Iyer, recovering from an abdominal injury sustained in Australia, will only be included if he passes the fitness assessment after playing in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence will evaluate his readiness before confirming participation.

Another talking point is the omission of pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who has once again been overlooked despite strong domestic performances. Selectors have opted for other fast-bowling options, including Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana, sparking debate among fans who feel Shami’s experience could have been invaluable.

The squad includes established players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, with Pant continuing as the wicketkeeper-batter despite earlier speculation about his future in the 50-over format. All-rounders Washington Sundar and young talent like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal also make the squad, adding balance and depth to both batting and bowling units.

Hardik Pandya has been rested due to workload management concerns, as he has not yet received clearance to bowl his full quota of overs, in view of India’s packed international calendar leading to the T20 World Cup.

The three ODIs, scheduled across Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, are expected to test India’s combinations and provide opportunities for players returning from injury or looking to cement their place. The selection reflects a careful balance between experience, fitness, and emerging talent as the team prepares for a busy start to 2026.