Shreyas Iyer And Mohammed Siraj Back In India Squad For New Zealand ODIs
India have recalled vice-captain Shreyas Iyer to the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against New Zealand, marking a significant step in his recovery journey after a lengthy injury lay-off. The middle-order batter’s inclusion, however, remains subject to final fitness clearance, as selectors look to balance form, fitness and future planning ahead of a packed international calendar.
The series is expected to serve as an important preparatory phase for several players as India fine-tune combinations across departments.
Iyer is expected to feature in domestic one-day matches to gain match fitness before the national squad assembles, with selectors keen to assess his readiness ahead of the New Zealand fixtures.
Despite a brief interruption caused by food poisoning in domestic cricket, Gill is expected to gain match practice before joining the national camp, providing stability at the top of the order.
India’s pace attack for the series includes a blend of experience and youth, with Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana joining Siraj. The selectors appear keen to test depth in the fast-bowling department while maintaining a competitive edge at home.
Rahul, who led the side during the South Africa ODIs, retains his place, while Pant continues his comeback run, signalling confidence in his role across formats.
The omission of Axar Patel, despite his recent domestic performances, suggests clearer role definitions as India manage workloads and prepare players for specific formats ahead of major tournaments.
Reddy’s growing role with the ball in domestic cricket has clearly impressed selectors, earning him an extended run in the ODI set-up.
With the New Zealand series set to test combinations and bench strength, the squad reflects both immediate competitiveness and longer-term strategic thinking.
India ODI Squad vs New Zealand
Shubman Gill (Captain),
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Arshdeep Singh
Prasidh Krishna
Harshit Rana
The series is expected to serve as an important preparatory phase for several players as India fine-tune combinations across departments.
Iyer’s Comeback Hinges On Medical Clearance
Shreyas Iyer has been out of competitive cricket since October after suffering a spleen injury while fielding during India’s tour of Australia. While his return to the squad underlines the team management’s faith in his importance to the ODI middle order, his participation will depend on approval from the medical staff at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.Iyer is expected to feature in domestic one-day matches to gain match fitness before the national squad assembles, with selectors keen to assess his readiness ahead of the New Zealand fixtures.
Gill Set To Lead As ODI Captain
Shubman Gill will captain the side, marking his return to ODI cricket after missing the South Africa series due to a neck spasm sustained during the Kolkata Test. Gill has since returned to action in T20 internationals and is now set to resume leadership duties in the 50-over format.Despite a brief interruption caused by food poisoning in domestic cricket, Gill is expected to gain match practice before joining the national camp, providing stability at the top of the order.
Siraj Back In ODI Mix As Pace Unit Reshaped
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj also returns to the ODI set-up after being overlooked for the South Africa series. Siraj last featured in ODIs during the Australia tour and has remained active through Test cricket and domestic competitions.India’s pace attack for the series includes a blend of experience and youth, with Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana joining Siraj. The selectors appear keen to test depth in the fast-bowling department while maintaining a competitive edge at home.
Strong Batting Core Anchors The Squad
India’s batting unit features a familiar and formidable group, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have been named as the wicketkeeping options, offering flexibility in team combinations.Rahul, who led the side during the South Africa ODIs, retains his place, while Pant continues his comeback run, signalling confidence in his role across formats.
Spin Combination Reflects Tactical Balance
The spin department sees Kuldeep Yadav as the lone specialist wrist-spinner, supported by spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. This combination provides variety while strengthening batting depth.The omission of Axar Patel, despite his recent domestic performances, suggests clearer role definitions as India manage workloads and prepare players for specific formats ahead of major tournaments.
Pandya Rested As Workload Management Continues
Hardik Pandya remains the most notable absentee from the squad, with selectors opting to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Pandya not yet cleared to bowl a full quota of overs, Nitish Kumar Reddy continues as his like-for-like replacement.Reddy’s growing role with the ball in domestic cricket has clearly impressed selectors, earning him an extended run in the ODI set-up.
Squad Selection Signals Long-Term Planning
Several players, including Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson and Mohammed Shami, miss out despite recent performances. The selection choices indicate a clear focus on balance, fitness and continuity as India prepare for a demanding international schedule.With the New Zealand series set to test combinations and bench strength, the squad reflects both immediate competitiveness and longer-term strategic thinking.
India ODI Squad vs New Zealand
Shubman Gill (Captain),
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Arshdeep Singh
Prasidh Krishna
Harshit Rana
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