In a significant update for Indian cricket, the national selectors have announced the One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match home series against New Zealand. The squad sees the return of experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj, while the comeback of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is conditional upon him passing fitness tests.
Key Returns and Fitness Protocols
Mohammed Siraj makes his way back into the 50-over setup after last featuring during India's tour of Australia. The 31-year-old fast bowler, who has taken 73 wickets in 47 ODIs, was reportedly rested for the South Africa series and is considered a core part of India's pace battery. His recent domestic outings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy have paved the way for his recall.
The spotlight, however, is firmly on Shreyas Iyer. The middle-order batsman has been out of action for three months since suffering a spleen injury during an ODI against Australia on October 25. His inclusion is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Iyer is scheduled to prove his match readiness by playing for Mumbai in their final two Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches against Himachal Pradesh (January 6) and Punjab (January 8).
Squad Composition and Notable Absences
Shubman Gill will lead the side, marking his return after missing the South Africa series due to a neck spasm. The squad sees Gill, Iyer, and Siraj replacing Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, and Ruturaj Gaikwad from the previous assignment.
In a major development concerning all-rounder Hardik Pandya, the BCCI stated he has not been cleared by the CoE to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in a match. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both Pandya and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for workload management. Pandya's place has gone to Andhra's Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has impressed in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Series Schedule and Road to Recovery
The ODI series against the Black Caps begins on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18. The Indian team will assemble in Vadodara on January 7.
For Iyer, the path to full fitness involves successfully completing Return-to-Play (RTP) match simulations. He completed his first 50-over simulation on January 2, 2026. The upcoming Mumbai game will serve as his second, as per BCCI protocol. Only after clearing both will he be deemed fully fit for international duty.
India's full ODI squad for the New Zealand series: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
