Team India’s New Zealand ODI squad to set 2027 World Cup blueprint: Big calls, big returns

With the New Zealand ODI series approaching, selectors and team management are finalising a squad focused on youth, fitness, and long-term planning for the 2027 World Cup.

With just a few days left for the announcement of India’s squad for the New Zealand ODI series, intense discussions have taken place between the selectors and the team management. The upcoming series is being seen as a crucial starting point for shaping India’s roadmap to the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection committee are keen on building a strong core group early, using the New Zealand series as a testing ground. The focus is clearly on balancing experience with youth, keeping the long-term World Cup vision firmly in mind.

One of the major positives ahead of the series is the likely return of skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer. Both players missed the recent ODI series against South Africa due to injuries. Gill has now fully recovered and is set to return to competitive action through the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Iyer, meanwhile, has reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and is undergoing rehabilitation. If he clears fitness tests in time, his place in the ODI squad is almost certain.

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However, these returns could come at a cost for younger players. With Gill and Iyer expected back, Tilak Varma and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel may lose their spots in the ODI setup. That said, if Iyer fails to regain full fitness before the New Zealand series, either Tilak Varma or Jurel could still find a place in the final squad.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Ishan Kishan and Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal. Despite impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, both players face tough competition. With no clear vacancies in the current ODI lineup, their selection remains doubtful, forcing them to wait longer for opportunities.

In a move aimed at workload management, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested for the New Zealand series. Both have missed the last two ODI series, and with the T20 World Cup drawing closer, the team management is keen to manage their fitness carefully.

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Another key talking point is the future of senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Axar Patel, who missed the South Africa ODI series, is also unlikely to feature against New Zealand, as Jadeja’s position remains intact. Despite average performances against Australia and South Africa, the team management is considering giving Jadeja one final opportunity to prove his value in the ODI setup.

Overall, selecting the squad for the New Zealand ODI series has become a challenging task for the selectors. While the pressure to deliver results remains, the management is aware that taking calculated risks now is essential to build a strong, settled team for the 2027 ODI World Cup.