New Delhi, January 4, 2026:The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) o announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, scheduled to kick off later this month. The announcement has generated excitement among fans as India looks to maintain its strong performance in the international limited-overs circuit.
Leadership and Key Players
Shubman Gill will lead the team as captain, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will bring their vast experience to the middle order. Rishabh Pant, known for his explosive batting and sharp wicket-keeping, has also been included, adding depth to the squad. A notable absence is Jasprit Bumrah, who will miss the series due to ongoing fitness management. The BCCI has confirmed that the team management is confident in the replacements, particularly the pace options, to handle New Zealand’s challenging conditions.
“This is a balanced squad combining youth and experience,” said a senior BCCI official. “Our goal is to continue building momentum ahead of upcoming major tournaments while giving opportunities to emerging players.”
Preparation and Series Outlook
The squad is set to travel to New Zealand next week, with practice sessions scheduled in preparation for the first ODI. Analysts believe that the series will be crucial for testing India’s bench strength, especially in overseas conditions where New Zealand has historically posed challenges.
The series is expected to draw massive viewership, both in stadiums and on digital platforms, as fans eagerly await India’s performance in what promises to be a highly competitive contest against a formidable New Zealand side.
