India vs New Zealand ODI Squad 2026: Full Players List
India and New Zealand have officially announced their ODI squad for the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI Series, signalling a clear intent to balance continuity with controlled experimentation. The selectors have entrusted Shubman Gill with the captaincy, reinforcing his growing stature as a long-term leader in white-ball cricket. The squad blends experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with emerging names who have impressed across formats. The India vs New Zealand ODI Squad 2026 covered in this post gives a holistic view of the teams and their strategy.
With the ODI calendar tightening ahead of major ICC events, the New Zealand series presents India with a crucial opportunity to test combinations, refine roles, and maintain momentum in the 50-over format.
India ODI Squad for Ind vs NZ ODI 2026
Leadership Call: Gill Continues as ODI Captain
The decision to persist with Shubman Gill as captain reflects the selectors’ confidence in his calm leadership and consistency at the top of the order. Gill has steadily grown into the role, earning respect within the dressing room while maintaining his batting standards. Shreyas Iyer, named vice-captain, adds stability and experience, especially in middle-order management. The leadership group also benefits from senior voices like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, ensuring tactical clarity during high-pressure moments against a competitive New Zealand side.
Batting Core: Experience Meets Stability
India’s batting unit remains firmxly anchored around familiar names. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to be central figures, offering experience and match awareness that remains invaluable in ODIs. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant provide wicketkeeping depth, with both capable of adapting to different match situations. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inclusion offers a dynamic left-handed option at the top, while Shreyas Iyer strengthens the middle order with his ability to handle pace and spin alike.
All-Round Options Add Balance
The presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy gives India flexibility in both batting depth and bowling combinations. Jadeja’s experience and control in ODIs remain crucial, especially on slower surfaces. Sundar offers off-spin variety and calm batting, while Nitish Kumar Reddy’s rise highlights India’s focus on grooming seam-bowling all-rounders capable of contributing across phases of the game.
New Zealand Squad for Ind vs NZ ODI 2026
Bracewell Handed ODI Captaincy
New Zealand have named a 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming series against India, with Michael Bracewell appointed captain for the 50-over leg of the tour. The decision marks a leadership shift as the Black Caps manage workloads and availability across formats. Bracewell’s calm presence, coupled with his growing experience in international cricket, has earned him the selectors’ trust for the ODI series.
Santner Set to Return for T20Is, Misses ODIs
Regular white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner will not feature in the ODI series as part of injury management, but is expected to return to lead the side in the T20Is later in the tour. The move reflects New Zealand Cricket’s cautious approach ahead of a packed calendar and the upcoming ICC events, especially with subcontinent conditions placing extra physical demands on spin-bowling all-rounders.
Batting Core Brings Stability
Despite the absence of Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s ODI batting group retains a solid core. The squad includes proven performers such as Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Will Young, all of whom bring experience and adaptability against quality bowling attacks. Their presence ensures stability through the top and middle order as the side looks to compete consistently in Indian conditions.
New Faces and Spin Focus
One of the key talking points of the squad is the inclusion of Jayden Lennox, who earns his maiden international call-up. The selection underlines New Zealand’s intent to strengthen their spin resources for the India tour. Alongside Lennox, players like Adi Ashok and Kristian Clarke add variety and depth, giving the team multiple bowling combinations to work with across different venues.
Pace Resources and Wicketkeeping Depth
The pace department is led by Kyle Jamieson, whose ability to extract bounce could be crucial even on flatter surfaces. He is supported by Michael Rae and Zak Foulkes, while Mitch Hay has been named as the wicketkeeper, offering flexibility in the lower middle order. This blend allows New Zealand to rotate bowlers and maintain balance across innings.
What This Squad Signals for New Zealand
The ODI squad selection points to a phase of transition for New Zealand cricket. While experience remains central, opportunities have been created for emerging players to step up in challenging conditions. With Bracewell leading the side, the ODI series against India becomes both a competitive assignment and a testing ground for future combinations, before the focus shifts to the T20Is.
