BCCI’s master plan: Pandya and Bumrah rested ahead of T20 World Cup

India’s ODI squad vs NZ starts Jan 11. Pandya & Bumrah rested to prep for T20 World Cup. Shubman Gill leads; matches in Vadodara, Rajkot & Indore

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a strong squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara. While the team boasts big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, two notable absentees—Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah—have sparked discussion among fans.

According to sources, the decision to rest Pandya and Bumrah is part of a larger strategy focused on the T20 World Cup scheduled for February. With the global tournament looming, the management is keen to preserve the fitness and form of its key players. Both stars are expected to feature prominently in the T20 series against New Zealand, ensuring they remain sharp for the World Cup campaign.

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The ODI squad will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. Other inclusions are KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as wicketkeepers, alongside Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The series promises high-intensity cricket, with matches scheduled in Vadodara (January 11), Rajkot (January 14), and Indore (January 18). While fans may miss Pandya and Bumrah in the ODIs, the BCCI’s calculated move highlights its determination to prioritize India’s chances at the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: Gill to lead, Rohit-Kohli return as BCCI name strong ODI Squad vs New Zealand