India Announce Squads for New Zealand ODIs and Tests; Shreyas Iyer to Captain Final Two ODIs
India have announced their squads for the upcoming ODI and Test series against New Zealand, with Shubman Gill leading the side in the first three ODIs before Shreyas Iyer takes over as captain for the final two matches. The selection also features a recall for Akash Deep in the Test squad and a maiden ODI call-up for wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads on Friday, confirming separate ODI selections for the first three matches and the final two games. Gill will captain the opening leg of the ODI series, with Iyer serving as vice-captain before assuming leadership duties for the remaining matches.
Former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included for the entire ODI series. Both senior batters remain available for 50-over cricket after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Shreyas Iyer to Lead India in Final Two ODIs
Gill will lead India in the first three ODIs, while Iyer has been appointed captain for the fourth and fifth matches. The change in leadership could help India manage Gill’s workload ahead of the two-Test series, in which he is also named captain.
Iyer will have an experienced batting group at his disposal, with Rohit and Kohli featuring in both ODI squads. The final two matches will also see changes to the selection, including the inclusion of Tilak Varma, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur and Kumar Kushagra.
Kushagra’s selection marks a significant opportunity for the young wicketkeeper-batter, who has earned his maiden call-up for the final two ODIs.
Jasprit Bumrah Included in Test Squad, Hardik Pandya Omitted
Jasprit Bumrah has been included in India’s Test squad but will not feature in the ODI series. His availability for the two Tests will be an important boost for India’s pace attack.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been left out of the ODI squad. Meanwhile, fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has been selected for the first three ODIs and has also earned a place in the Test squad.
Prasidh Krishna has been named in the opening ODI squad, subject to fitness clearance, and is also part of the Test team. Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep has received a recall to the Test setup.
The ODI selections also include Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, with the composition changing for the final two matches.
Rishabh Pant’s Test Selection Subject to Fitness Clearance
India have selected Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper options for the Test series. Pant’s participation remains subject to clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
The Test squad features a mix of established performers and younger players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal are among those selected.
Gill will captain the Test side, with Rahul named vice-captain. The squad also includes Nitish Kumar Reddy, giving India another all-round option for the longer format.
India ODI Squad for First Three Matches
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain)
- KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Anshul Kamboj
- Gurnoor Brar
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Arshdeep Singh
- Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna (subject to fitness clearance)
- Kuldeep Yadav
India ODI Squad for Fourth and Fifth Matches
- Shreyas Iyer (captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Tilak Varma
- Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper, vice-captain)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Auqib Nabi
- Gurnoor Brar
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav
India Test Squad Against New Zealand
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (vice-captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper, subject to clearance)
- Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand Tour Schedule
According to the announced schedule, the ODI series is set to begin on November 4, followed by the two-match Test series starting November 19.
The split ODI leadership, Bumrah’s absence from the 50-over leg and the changes between the two ODI squads will be key talking points as India prepare for the home series. The tour will also provide opportunities for emerging players to strengthen their claims for regular places in the national team.
