Who makes the cut? Team India Squad for NZ ODIs likely tomorrow

Selectors are expected to announce a 15-member Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with senior players returning and young performers hoping to seal their spots.

The Indian cricket selection committee is likely to announce the national squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand shortly. The matches will be played in Baroda, Rajkot and Indore, and a 15-member team is expected to be named.

The series is set to bring back a few senior players, while some established names may be rested. The focus, however, will be on rewarding young cricketers who have impressed in recent domestic and international matches.

At the top of the order, Rohit Sharma is expected to make his return to the ODI setup after scoring a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His strong showing in the South Africa ODI series has further strengthened his place. Captain Shubman Gill, who has fully recovered from injury, is also set for a comeback. Before rejoining Team India, Gill is likely to feature in two Vijay Hazare matches.

Also Read:ODI debut beckons? Devdutt Padikkal emerges strong contender for New Zealand Series

For the backup opener’s slot, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are in direct competition. Jaiswal has been in fine form, scoring centuries in both the South Africa ODI series and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. While his place in the playing XI is uncertain, he is expected to be part of the 15-member squad. Gaikwad, too, has made a strong case with centuries in South Africa and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making the race for the reserve opener spot a close one.

In the middle order, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains doubtful due to a fitness issue sustained during the Australia tour. Though he is expected to be fully fit by the IPL, his selection for the New Zealand series looks uncertain. This could open the door for Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal, who is in exceptional form. Padikkal has been scoring multiple centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is hoping for a maiden ODI call-up.

In the wicketkeeping department, KL Rahul remains the first-choice option. Over the past year, he has been a regular wicketkeeper in white-ball formats. However, the return of Rishabh Pant has raised questions about roles and combinations, with Pant’s place in the playing XI still unclear.

Also Read:Road to 2027 begins: Kohli and Rohit’s toughest year ahead

Among all-rounders, Andhra’s Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to feature as the only fast-bowling all-rounder. However, if selectors prefer more spin options, left-arm spinner Axar Patel could be chosen ahead of him, given his ability to contribute higher up the batting order. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are almost certain to be included in the squad, though there is still some uncertainty over how many spinners will make the final XI.

In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for the series. In his absence, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna are likely to lead the fast-bowling attack. The selectors are also expected to discuss the availability of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami during their meeting.

As the new year begins, all eyes will be on the selectors’ decisions, who gets rewarded with a call-up and who misses out for the New Zealand ODI series.