That's it from us for now. Do follow our live blog of the 1st Youth ODI between India U19 and South Africa U19. Click here to follow live updates

"Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, and considering the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed," the BCCI said in its release on the veteran all-rounder's exclusion.

This comes after Hardik slammed a ton for Baroda against Vidarbha.

Contrary to some early speculation, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been included in the side, while veteran pacer Mohammed Shami did not find a place in the 15-man squad despite his recent return to form in domestic cricket.

India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been included, but his availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE. He has been cleared to turn out for Mumbai in the VHT. Iyer is expected to feature in the sixth round of fixtures on January 6 in Jaipur, where Mumbai face Himachal Pradesh.

"Shreyas Iyer's availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE," the BCCI said in a statement.

India's ODI squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Another strong show with the ball from Mohammed Shami as the veteran pacer has bagged two wickets so far during Bengal's match against Assam. Figures of 2/39 so far.

Sanju Samson sends a big message ahead of the squad announcement, slamming a 90-ball century for Kerala in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Jharkhand. He has put his team in control in their pursuit of 212.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is likely to be rested for the New Zealand ODI series, has slammed a ton for Baroda against Vidarbha. This was his maiden ton in List A cricket, and he reached the mark in just 68 balls. Excellent stuff!

Shubman Gill, who was scheduled to play for Punjab in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match today, didn't feature in the XI. It was later reported that his absence was down to food poisoning. It isn't yet known if that would have an impact on his selection for the ODI series against New Zealand. Ideally, it shouldn't.

In a big development, the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that India's squads for the white-ball matches against New Zealand will be named today in the afternoon. 

He told news agency ANI: "As you know, from the 11th of January, India is going to play New Zealand in a three-match ODI series and today we have a meeting with the selectors and in the afternoon we are going to announce the squad for the New Zealand series..."

Shreyas Iyer is one step closer to an international comeback after successfully completing his first 50-over return-to-play (RTP) match simulation on Friday, as per a report in India Today.

To satisfy the BCCI’s medical clearance protocols, Iyer must now participate in Mumbai's upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh, which will serve as his second mandatory simulation. The national selectors will only consider him fully fit for white-ball cricket once he has successfully navigated both matches without any physical setbacks. The signs of an international comeback are truly promising.

A highly-rated wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant has won India many games with the bat, especially in red-ball cricket. But, his performances in the white-ball game aren't anywhere near the management wants them to be. As selection chances look slim, it also has to be noted that Pant last played an ODI for India in October 2024.

India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is approaching full fitness following a long process of rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence. However, with squad announcements imminent, his place in India’s ODI plans for the New Zealand series may depend more on the timing of his recovery than his actual form. The medical team's word will be important for the selectors before they consider drafting him back into the team.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of Team India's squad announcement for the New Zealand ODI and T20I series. The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee didn't announce the names yesterday but there's a big chance that the squad will be named today. Stay tuned as we take you through the complexities of selection. 

The India vs New Zealand ODI series squad will be picked today. Here are the three questions that the BCCI selectors need to ponder upon:

1. Should Rishabh Pant be picked or should Ishan Kishan get the reward for his recent good show in domestic cricket?

2. Does the BCCI make a U-turn and finally give Mohammed Shami a chance? 

3. Should domestic cricket performers like Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan be rewarded?

Is there a chance for Sarfaraz Khan? Well, he has been brilliant in the domestic circuit but Ruturaj Gaikwad has already surged ahead of him among contenders with a hundred against South Africa.

Meanwhile, opportunities await for two other star duo. While Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya may be rested from the ODIs to keep them fresh for the  T20 World Cup, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, who are also part of the shortest format, could once again get a look-in.

The opportunities for Pant to prove his class in the white-ball format are limited. Already out of India's T20I side and with his ODI prospects looking bleak, Pant has effectively only the IPL and a handful of Tests later this year to showcase his continued relevance to India's white-ball plans.

However, the tracks on which Pant-led Delhi played at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru were not batting-friendly. That, however, is no excuse for getting out in the 20s. Still, Pant feels like a notch above Jurel in terms of sheer class. Whether three wicketkeepers will be picked is a question. KL Rahul is the No. 1 choice. The final fight may be between Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant for the backup keeper.

However, Pant's Vijay Hazare Trophy performance has not been up to the mark. Only one significant score - 70 - in four Vijay Hazare Trophy games paints a drab picture. Especially when Ishan Kishan hit 14 sixes in Jharkhand's opening game against Karnataka, batting in the middle order. Even Dhruv Jurel scored 160 in Uttar Pradesh's previous game and was part of the ODI set-up during the last series.

Having said that, the challenges faced by Rishabh Pant is manifold. In terms of match-winning ability, he is must more impactful than Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel. However, his shot selection in the recent lost Guwahati Test against South Africa neither impressed the head coach nor the selection committee. But dropping him without giving a fair run could also raise a few uncomfortable questions.

With all the talk around the likely omission of Rishabh Pant, let's take a look at how he was used in ODIs under coach Gautam Gambhir. After the T20 World Cup, Gambhir took over as coach in July 2024. Since Gambhir's arrival as head coach, Pant has played just one ODI between July 2024 and December 2025. Only 31 ODI games in eight years, with an average of less than 35, isn't a true reflection of the resilient Roorkee man's potential.

Before delving deep into who will be the backup keeper, let's look at the thinking process of the BCCI selectors and the team management. Whether it is BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar or head coach Gautam Gambhir, both have shown an inclination to select personnel based on team combination. Therefore, in T20 Internationals, they have gone for keepers who are openers, such as Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. In ODIs, the same keeper is needed to primarily be a middle-order batter, coming in at No. 5 or 6.

The main point of discussion will, however, be about the wicketkeeper. KL Rahul is the No. 1 choice for ODI wicketkeeper and middle-order batter. Not just confident batting, Rahul's solid wicketkeeping and sensible DRS opinions make him crucial in India's scheme of things. The question, however, is: who will be the backup keeper?

Devdutt Padikkal has made a strong case for himself after a stellar showing in domestic cricket. He has an unbelievable average of 92-plus across 37 games and has already scored three centuries in four games in the ongoing National Championship. However, one mustn't forget that Gaikwad, a specialist opener, is playing at No. 4-a slot that belonged to regular vice-captain Shreyas Iyer before he got injured. Padikkal hasn't done much wrong, but there is simply no place in the top four right now after Gaikwad's century, and it will be difficult to slot him in unless an extra specialist top-order batter is added to the squad. 

Let's now analyse the different departments in the squad. First, the top order. India captain Shubman Gill will be making a comeback, and he will have the company of Rohit Sharma at the top. Last ODI's centurion (vs South Africa), Yashasvi Jaiswal, will be the back-up opener. Virat Kohli is set to be the No. 3 batter. Had Shreyas Iyer been fit, he would have made it to the squad, but there are doubts over his match fitness for a 50-over game. This means that Ruturaj Gaikwad will get a chance. 

Why is this ODI series important? The India vs New Zealand ODI series is the Shubman Gill-led side's last ODI series before the focus completely shifts to T20Is. The T20 World Cup starts in February, followed by IPL 2026, which begins at the end of March. The T20 franchise league will run till the end of May. As per the schedule, after the New Zealand series, India will next play ODIs in July against England. The ODI World Cup is in mid-2027, and these series will be crucial in zeroing in on the right combination.

South Africa has announced their squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Hard-hitting middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs was one of the biggest names to miss out on selection as South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, retained seven players from the 2024 edition, in its provisional squad of 15 for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

A report has claimed some important developments surrounding the ODI selection of Pant. "It is an open secret that at least one member in the Indian team management doesn't exactly like Pant's high-risk high-reward batting template and would like him to employ a more traditional way of batting," stated a report by news agency PTI.

"But dropping a second choice glovesman without giving him a fair go could obviously lead to more questions being asked without tangible answers being provided."

What is the buzz around Pant? He is one of the best match-winners in the current Indian cricket scene. Yet, he has been rarely used in ODIs in recent times. In 2025, Pant didn't play a single ODI, although he was part of the Champions Trophy squad as well as the series against South Africa last month. Pant last played an ODI in August 2024.  

Will there be any experiments in the spin department? Looks highly unlikely with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav being the settled choices. All eye will be on Kuldeep Yadav, who has often been overlooked for a long rope. He has wicket-taking ability more than any other current Indian spinners. Will the team management moved ahead in a new way with him in the New Year?

Virat Kohli will play Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Railways on January 6. The fixture is deemed ideal preparation for the veteran batter ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand. The former India captain has been in superb form in his first two games for Delhi, smashing 131 and 77 respectively.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that they will host India for a three-match ODI and T20I series in September 2026. However, a major question mark remains over whether the BCCI will commit to the tour, given the prevailing instability and the lack of a permanent government in Dhaka.

With the 2026 T20 World Cup just weeks away, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya are set to be rested for the ODI series against New Zealand. This opens a massive door for Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, who are expected to shoulder the fast-bowling responsibilities in their absence.

Sarfaraz Khan has been in terrific touch in the domestic circuit, recently smashing a breathtaking 157 off just 75 balls in Mumbai's dominant win over Goa. While former players and fans are clamoring for his inclusion, reports suggest Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad remains ahead in the pecking order, especially after his maiden ODI century against South Africa in Raipur last month.

Another player whose selection remains uncertain is Mohammed Siraj. The pacer last played in the ODIs during the away tour of Australia in October, before being dropped for the series against South Africa. He also didn't play the first four rounds of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy either but might appear for Hyderabad in two of the last three rounds.

Shreyas Iyer is closing in on a return to competitive cricket after months of intensive rehabilitation. Currently at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, the ODI vice-captain's selection now hinges on 'timing rather than just fitness.' According to India Today, Iyer is undergoing two crucial match-simulation sessions. While the first took place today (Friday), the second is slated for Monday. Final clearance for the New Zealand series depends entirely on him completing these sessions without any physical setbacks.

A name that simply cannot be ignored in tomorrow's meeting is Devdutt Padikkal. The Karnataka southpaw has been in blistering form, smashing three centuries in just four Vijay Hazare Trophy outings. The real challenge for the Agarkar-led committee, however, is the logjam at the top; with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad already vying for spots, finding a way to accommodate Padikkal in an already packed squad will be no easy task.

India's Likely ODI Squad for NZ series: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC), Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana

India captain Shubman Gill is all set to make his ODI comeback, having missed the series against South Africa due to a neck issue. In Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer's absence, KL Rahul led the team against the Proteas. 

Should the selectors move on from Pant, Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to return to the ODI fold after a two-year hiatus. Kishan has already forced his way back into the T20I squad on the back of a historic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where he captained Jharkhand to their maiden title. However, the ever-consistent Sanju Samson remains a strong alternative if the committee seeks more middle-order stability.

"According to multiple reports, the BCCI selectors are set to meet virtually on Saturday to finalise the squad, with the debate over whether Rishabh Pant can retain his place in the squad likely to be in focus. The wicketkeeper-batter has not played a single ODI since the Sri Lanka tour in July 2024. Pant's form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has been uneven, with just one half-century in four matches, totalling to 121 runs coming at an average of 30.25. 

All eyes are on veteran Mohammed Shami. While there's a massive buzz about his potential return following the Champions Trophy, the million-dollar question remains: Is the selection committee ready to turn the clock back?

The 35-year-old has picked eight wickets in four matches in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, and could prove to be a great inclusion, especially with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya reportedly set to be rested for the ODI-leg of New Zealand's visit.

A very good afternoon to our readers! India's squad for the upcoming ODI series is likely to be announced in the coming hours, and we are back to bring you all the updates and rumors regarding possible inclusions and exclusions. Stay tuned!