The pressure is mounting on India’s national selectors. With the three-match ODI series against New Zealand just around the corner, several critical decisions hang in the balance. At the heart of the debate: the fitness of Shreyas Iyer, the uncertain future of Rishabh Pant in the 50-over format, and the persistent whispers about a white-ball comeback for speedster Mohammed Shami.
This isn’t just about picking a team for three games. The **India NZ ODI squad** will serve as a crucial blueprint for India’s white-ball strategy leading into the T20 World Cup later this year. Every selection—or omission—sends a powerful signal about the team’s long-term vision. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Table of Contents
- Shreyas Iyer: A Last-Minute Race Against Time
- Mohammed Shami: The Comeback King’s White-Ball Case
- The Rishabh Pant Conundrum
- The Bigger Picture: India’s White-Ball Roadmap
- Predicted India NZ ODI Squad
- Conclusion: A Defining Selection Meeting
- Sources
Shreyas Iyer: A Last-Minute Race Against Time
All eyes are on Shreyas Iyer’s rehabilitation. The middle-order stalwart has been out of action due to a recurring back issue that has plagued his schedule for months. His ability to churn out quickfire fifties and handle spin bowling in the middle overs makes him a near-irreplaceable asset in ODIs. But is he ready?
Reports suggest Iyer has begun light training, but his availability for the opening match in Auckland remains highly doubtful . If he’s not 100% match-fit, the selectors face a tough choice: name him in the squad as cover and risk his long-term health, or leave him out and test other options like Rajat Patidar or Yashasvi Jaiswal in the crucial No. 4 spot. His absence would be a significant blow to the team’s batting stability.
Mohammed Shami: The Comeback King’s White-Ball Case
After a stellar performance in the last ODI World Cup, Mohammed Shami’s name has been conspicuously absent from India’s white-ball squads, primarily due to workload management. However, with the 2026 season kicking off and his red-ball form for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy looking sharp, the 35-year-old is making a strong case for a recall .
Shami’s value in ODIs is undeniable. His ability to swing the new ball, deliver accurate yorkers at the death, and break crucial partnerships in the middle overs offers a level of control and experience that India’s current pace attack sometimes lacks. While the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan have shown promise, the team might miss Shami’s X-factor in high-pressure games against a strong New Zealand batting lineup.
The Rishabh Pant Conundrum
Rishabh Pant’s remarkable comeback from his near-fatal accident has been one of cricket’s greatest stories. His fearless batting in the Test arena has been a revelation. But his role in ODIs is far less clear. His strike rate in the format has dipped in recent outings, and his wicketkeeping in white-ball cricket hasn’t always been consistent.
This series presents a crossroads. Does the team management back his explosive potential at No. 5 or 6, or do they prioritize a more stable, high-percentage player like KL Rahul or even give a chance to a younger talent like Dhruv Jurel? The decision on Pant’s spot could signal whether India is in “win-now” mode or actively building depth for future tournaments .
The Bigger Picture: India’s White-Ball Roadmap
It’s impossible to view the **India NZ ODI squad** selection in isolation. The BCCI’s primary objective for 2026 is twofold: win the T20 World Cup and secure qualification for the next OODI World Cup. This series against a top-tier opponent like New Zealand is a vital testing ground.
Selectors must balance immediate results with long-term planning. Giving game time to fringe players is important, but not at the cost of a series loss that could dent confidence. The management is likely to use this tour to:
- Finalize the core middle-order for white-ball cricket.
- Test death-bowling combinations in overseas conditions.
- Evaluate bench strength for the upcoming World Cup.
Predicted India NZ ODI Squad
Based on current form, fitness, and strategic needs, here’s a likely 15-man squad for the New Zealand ODIs:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar / Yashasvi Jaiswal (stand-in for Shreyas Iyer)
- KL Rahul / Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mukesh Kumar
- Avesh Khan
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Arshdeep Singh
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
Note: Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer could be late inclusions if they pass final fitness tests.
Conclusion: A Defining Selection Meeting
The upcoming selection committee meeting will be one of the most scrutinized in recent memory. The choices made for the **India NZ ODI squad** will do more than just name a team—they will reveal the team’s strategic philosophy for the year ahead. Will they lean on experience with a fit Shreyas and a returning Shami, or will they take a bold step into the future? For an in-depth look at India’s white-ball strategy, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-t20-world-cup-2026-prospects].