India’s ODI Squad for New Zealand Series Expected to Be Announced on January 3 or 4
BCCI likely to announce India’s ODI squad for New Zealand series on Jan 3 or 4, with focus on Gill’s return and seniors in form.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to announce India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand tour in the first week of January, with January 3 or 4 the likely dates.
According to TOI journalist Gaurav Gupta, the selection meeting will be held online, after which the squad should be made public. India begin their New Zealand tour on January 11, with three ODIs followed by five T20Is.
India head into the series in strong white-ball form. They recently dominated South Africa in both ODIs and T20Is, giving the selectors confidence as they pick the squad for another overseas challenge.
The T20I squad for the New Zealand tour has already been announced. It is the same group that India are backing as their core for the 2026 T20 World Cup, showing clarity in planning for the shortest format.
The focus now shifts fully to the ODI setup. One of the biggest talking points is the possible return of Shubman Gill, who has been recovering from a neck injury. If fully fit, Gill is expected to slot back into the top order.
Senior players are also very much in the picture. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been in good touch in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, using domestic cricket to stay match-ready ahead of international duty.
Their form has strengthened India’s batting depth and gives the team management more options as they prepare for conditions in New Zealand, where seam and swing often play a big role.
On the other side, New Zealand have named a second-string ODI squad for the home series. Several senior players are missing, with lesser-known names getting a chance at the international level.
This has added to the feeling that India start as favourites, although overseas tours are never easy. The series will still be seen as an important test of India’s bench strength and adaptability.
