Why Hardik Pandya Was Left Out Of ODIs vs New Zealand, BCCI Explains
On Saturday, 3 January 2026, the BCCI announced a formidable squad for the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series, but the omission of Hardik Pandya has dominated the headlines. While Pandya recently made his international comeback during the T20I series against South Africa, his return to the longer format has been delayed.
The BCCI workload management policy is at the heart of this decision. In an official release, the board clarified that Pandya is not yet physically ready for the demands of a full 50-over match. Furthermore, with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the selectors are unwilling to risk a relapse of his previous injuries.
"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.
The Rise of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shreyas Iyer’s Fitness
In Pandya's absence, the promising Nitish Kumar Reddy has retained his place in the side, providing the selectors with another pace-bowling all-rounder option. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has earned a recall to the India vs New Zealand ODI squad , though his inclusion comes with a caveat.
Iyer, the Indian vice-captain, has been sidelined since 25 October following an injury sustained against Australia. His final participation depends on a clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE). He is expected to test his match fitness during the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai on 6 January.
Shubman Gill Resumes Captaincy Duties
The series also marks a significant Shubman Gill return . After missing the South African white-ball tour due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test, the regular India ODI captain is back to lead the Men in Blue.
Gill’s recent injury struggles saw him missing the second Test and the ODIs against the Proteas, while KL Rahul stepped in as interim skipper. Though Gill returned for the initial T20Is, he was famously omitted from the T20 World Cup plans, a move that shocked the cricketing fraternity.
The New Zealand series will likely be Gill's final international outing of the season. Following the ODIs, he is expected to represent Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy to maintain his red-ball rhythm.
The BCCI workload management policy is at the heart of this decision. In an official release, the board clarified that Pandya is not yet physically ready for the demands of a full 50-over match. Furthermore, with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the selectors are unwilling to risk a relapse of his previous injuries.
"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.
The Rise of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shreyas Iyer’s Fitness
In Pandya's absence, the promising Nitish Kumar Reddy has retained his place in the side, providing the selectors with another pace-bowling all-rounder option. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has earned a recall to the India vs New Zealand ODI squad , though his inclusion comes with a caveat.Iyer, the Indian vice-captain, has been sidelined since 25 October following an injury sustained against Australia. His final participation depends on a clearance from the Centre of Excellence (COE). He is expected to test his match fitness during the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai on 6 January.
Shubman Gill Resumes Captaincy Duties
The series also marks a significant Shubman Gill return . After missing the South African white-ball tour due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test, the regular India ODI captain is back to lead the Men in Blue. Gill’s recent injury struggles saw him missing the second Test and the ODIs against the Proteas, while KL Rahul stepped in as interim skipper. Though Gill returned for the initial T20Is, he was famously omitted from the T20 World Cup plans, a move that shocked the cricketing fraternity.
The New Zealand series will likely be Gill's final international outing of the season. Following the ODIs, he is expected to represent Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy to maintain his red-ball rhythm.
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