Big names out, new blood in—India’s ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand is shaping up to be a bold experiment.
According to sources close to the selection committee, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are likely to be rested for the three-match ODI series against the Black Caps. The decision isn’t about form—it’s about future-proofing. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the BCCI and team management are taking no chances with their two most explosive white-ball assets.
But what does this mean for India’s immediate ODI ambitions? And who stands to gain from the absence of two modern greats? Let’s break down the emerging IND vs NZ ODI squad puzzle.
Table of Contents
- Why Bumrah and Hardik Are Being Rested
- IND vs NZ ODI Squad: Expected Players
- Rishabh Pant Exclusion: The Keeper Battle
- Ishan Kishan Poised for Comeback
- Bowling Attack Without Bumrah
- Captaincy & Leadership in Absence of Regulars
- Strategic Shift: T20 World Cup or ODI Rankings?
- Fan and Expert Reactions
- Conclusion
- Sources
Why Bumrah and Hardik Are Being Rested
The rationale is simple: workload management. Both Bumrah and Pandya have been central to India’s T20 World Cup campaign planning. Bumrah, returning from chronic back issues, has been carefully managed since the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pandya, meanwhile, is still regaining full match fitness after a prolonged knee injury.
“We can’t afford to burn them out in a bilateral ODI series when the global trophy is the real target,” a senior BCCI official told TOI . The move aligns with global trends—England rested key players ahead of their 2023 World Cup, and Australia rotated stars during 2024 ODI tours.
IND vs NZ ODI Squad: Expected Players
With two key absences, the squad is expected to feature a mix of in-form performers and fringe contenders:
- Batting: Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (likely rested), KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer
- Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan (favored), Sanju Samson
- All-rounders: Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube
- Pace: Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan
- Spin: Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal
Notably, Rohit Sharma’s participation also remains uncertain, potentially paving the way for a younger leadership core.
Rishabh Pant Exclusion: The Keeper Battle
Despite his stellar Test comeback, Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature in the ODI squad. His T20 World Cup role is locked as a specialist batter, and the ODI wicketkeeping duties demand a more consistent gloveman in white-ball conditions.
Pant hasn’t played an ODI since January 2024, and his keeping in high-paced ODIs has drawn scrutiny. The selectors appear to be drawing a clear line: Pant = T20 batter; someone else = ODI keeper.
Ishan Kishan Poised for Comeback
All eyes are on Ishan Kishan. After serving a doping suspension (later overturned) and missing the 2024 T20 World Cup, the left-handed keeper has been in red-hot form in domestic cricket—scoring three List A centuries in the last two months.
His aggressive opening style and safe hands make him the frontrunner to reclaim the No. 1 ODI wicketkeeper spot. If selected, this tour could be his redemption arc—and a statement ahead of future mega-events.
Bowling Attack Without Bumrah
Replacing Bumrah is impossible—but India can still field a potent attack. Siraj will lead the pace unit, supported by the left-arm angle of Arshdeep and the raw pace of Mukesh. Avesh Khan offers death-over experience.
Spin will play a bigger role in New Zealand’s seaming conditions than expected, with Kuldeep’s wrist spin and Axar’s control likely to be heavily utilized—especially in the middle overs.
Captaincy & Leadership in Absence of Regulars
With Rohit Sharma possibly rested and Hardik Pandya out, Shubman Gill is the strongest candidate to lead. The 25-year-old has captained India in T20Is and led Gujarat Titans in the IPL—showing calmness under pressure.
Virat Kohli, while available, has expressed reluctance to take up captaincy duties outside Tests. KL Rahul remains an option but has his own form concerns to address.
Strategic Shift: T20 World Cup or ODI Rankings?
India currently sits third in the ICC ODI rankings—but the focus has clearly shifted. The 2025 Champions Trophy has been postponed, leaving no major ODI tournament until 2027. Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup 2025 is the immediate priority.
This series against New Zealand—ranked 5th—is thus a perfect testing ground for bench strength without risking core players. As [INTERNAL_LINK:india-white-ball-strategy-2025] explores, this is less about winning every game and more about building depth.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Reactions are split:
- Supporters praise the long-term vision: “Better to rest stars now than lose them in June.”
- Critics argue: “ODIs matter too—New Zealand won’t take it lightly.”
Former selector Saba Karim noted, “This is smart management—but only if the replacements deliver.”
Conclusion
The upcoming IND vs NZ ODI squad announcement will signal more than just a team list—it’s a declaration of India’s white-ball priorities for 2025. By resting Bumrah and Pandya, the BCCI is betting big on the T20 World Cup, while using this ODI window to audition the next generation. Win or lose in New Zealand, the real prize is a fit, fresh, and focused squad come June.
Sources
Times of India: IND vs NZ: Bumrah, Hardik Pandya likely to be rested
ICC Official: Men’s ODI Team Rankings
BCCI: India Tour of New Zealand 2025
ESPNcricinfo: IND vs NZ Series Coverage