As the Men in Blue prepare for their first bilateral competition of 2026, a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the focus remains on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee as we look forward to the ODI squad.
The three-match ODI series against New Zealand remains significant despite the focus on the shortest format. A transitional era is underway with Shubman Gill as captain and this is his first series at home as the leader of the side. He was missing in the ODI series against South Africa due to his neck injury.
With the ODI World Cup in 2027 in mind, India may not make major changes considering how the team is performing as expected.
While names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to attract attention, the real intrigue surrounds the players on the fringes. From the uncertain ODI future of Rishabh Pant to the composition of the pace attack in the potential absence of Jasprit Bumrah, this series could quietly shape India’s ODI schedule for the next two years.
IS RISHABH PANT ON THE WAY BACK?
Rishabh Pant continues to be a certainty in Tests but his white ball trajectory tells a different story. His last ODI appearance came in October 2024 against Sri Lanka and since then opportunities have been limited.
Pant’s recent Vijay Hazare Trophy numbers will not strengthen his claim. He managed just one score above fifty in four List A games, failing to produce the volume of runs expected of a middle-order contender. More telling is his team role. Pant has often been included in ODI squads without making the playing XI, highlighting KL Rahul’s current preference as the first-choice wicketkeeper.
It is hard to argue against Rahul’s ODI credentials. The No.6 batsman offers stability, finishing ability and the flexibility to move up the order when needed. In contrast, Pant’s aggressive style does not translate consistently in the 50-over format.
Further complicating matters is the domestic form of the alternatives. Ishan Kishan scored 125 for Jharkhand in December 2025 Dhruv Jurel smashed two fifties and a 160 in his recent List A run. With more in-form contenders waiting, picking Pant as the second keeper becomes highly risky.
CAN SIRAJ/SHAMI RETURN IN BUMRAH’S PRESENCE?
With workload management likely to rest with both Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, India need an experienced leader to handle the ODI pace attack. This brings Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami firmly in contention.
Siraj’s ODI numbers show a clear split. At home he averages 22.38 with an economy of 5.05 and a strike rate of 26.5. Away from home, his average rises to 28.15 with an economy of 5.26, indicating reduced control away from Indian conditions.
Shami’s record is significantly more balanced. He averages 24.89 at home and 24.57 away, keeping his strike rate under 27 in both scenarios. His economy rate remains steady across the board, underscoring his adaptability.
With India’s overseas ambitions and the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Shami’s consistency in various conditions may weigh heavily even though Siraj offers youth and longevity.
LONG ROPE FOR RUTURAJ OR SURPRISE WITHDRAWALS?
Ruturaj Gaikwad seems relatively safe so far. His first ODI century in Raipur at No. 4 showed poise, while his Vijay Hazare Trophy century in four List A games confirms the continuity of form.
However, domestic performances make the competition more intense. Devdutt Padikkal smashed three List-A hundreds in four matcheswho became the most prolific home run hitter this season. He was followed by Sarfaraz Khan with 157 against Goa and another fifty, enhancing his reputation in the white ball.
As India finalizes its ODI squad for the New Zealand series, the decisions taken will reflect a balance between continuity and future planning. Rishabh Pant’s ODI future remains uncertain amid strong competition, while the Siraj versus Shami debate highlights the tension between longevity and proven adaptability in different conditions. In the batting department, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent success may buy him time, but the form of Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan ensures that there is no room for complacency. While drastic changes are unlikely, these ODIs offer selectors a valuable checkpoint as India quietly move towards the 2027 World Cup.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 3, 2026
