IND vs NZ ODI Squad Announcement Today: Pant, Shami, Siraj Selection Update

IND vs NZ: Finally, the day has arrived when the Indian team squad for the first series of the new year will be announced. On Saturday, January 3, the BCCI's Senior Men's Selection Committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will meet to select and announce the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand. While this ODI series might not be as crucial considering the upcoming T20 World Cup, this selection is going to be very important for the future of some players in the Indian team.

The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will begin on January 11. All eyes are on the announcement of the Indian squad for this series. Unlike the previous two ODI series, the focus this time is not on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but on some players who have been consistently in and out of the team. Two prominent names among them are Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami. Pant has been part of the team, while Shami has been out of action.

IND vs NZ: Pant, Ishan, or Jurel, who will get a chance?

In the last ODI series against South Africa, Pant was part of the Indian team but didn't get a chance to play a single match. However, recent reports suggest that his chances of playing against New Zealand are not only slim, but his selection for the series is also highly unlikely. The selectors might prioritize Ishan Kishan, who made a surprising comeback to the T20 team and secured a direct ticket to the T20 World Cup 2026.

Ishan recently proved his excellent form by scoring a century in just 34 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But will Ishan be the only one selected, or will Dhruv Jurel also be considered as a backup for KL Rahul? All indications point towards Ishan Kishan's return, and he might make a comeback to the Indian team in this format for the first time since the ODI World Cup.

Will Shami and Siraj return?

Another big question revolves around the future of Mohammed Shami. Shami hasn't played a single match for the Indian team since the Champions Trophy2025. He was ruled out of the England tour due to fitness issues and has been trying to make a comeback ever since. Meanwhile, his relationship with chief selector Ajit Agarkar also seems to have soured, evidenced by their conflicting statements and actions in public. However, Shami has consistently performed well in domestic cricket during this period, taking wickets in every format.

Therefore, Shami's claim for a place in the team seems strong. But whether Agarkar will give him a chance to return or if the doors are completely closed for Shami will be decided today. ​​It is hoped that he will get an opportunity. This selection is also crucial for Mohammed Siraj. He too has been out of the ODI and T20 teams for some time. He has been completely dropped from the T20 team, but he is still a strong contender in ODIs. It is believed that he was only rested for the last two ODI series. Therefore, his return is expected.

Will the T20 team stars be rested?

As far as other players are concerned, most of the faces will be the same as those who were part of the South Africa series. This includes names like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while captain Shubman Gill will return for this series. There is a possibility that players like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Axar Patel, who were selected for the T20 World Cup, might be rested. However, Kuldeep Yadav might be seen playing in this series. Prasidh Krishna could also make a comeback.

IND vs NZ: India's probable squad:

Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma. (Shreyas Iyer - subject to fitness)

Read More: World Cup Snub: Shubman Gill to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy in January