India’s ODI Squad for New Zealand Series Likely on January 3: Report

India's ODI Squad: India's men's cricket team is gearing up for a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 11, marking the side's return to 50-over cricket after a month-long gap.

While the venues for the series - Vadodara (January 11), Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18) - have already been finalised, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to unveil the squad.

According to a report by The Times of India, the senior men's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to announce the squad on January 3 following an online meeting. A BCCI source confirmed the development, stating, "The national selection committee, headed by (former India pacer) Ajit Agarkar, will hold an online meeting on Jan 3 to pick the squad."

India last featured in an ODI series in early December 2025, when they toured South Africa. Led by KL Rahul, the visitors clinched the series by winning the opening and final matches. However, leadership duties will change hands for the New Zealand series, with Shubman Gill set to take charge of the side.

Gill was named India's new ODI captain on October 4, 2025, but he missed the South Africa series after sustaining a neck injury during the first Test against the Proteas at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The young opener has since recovered, returning to action in the T20I series against South Africa, and is now poised to resume leadership responsibilities in the 50-over format.

The series is also expected to see some workload management, with senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya likely to be rested. Both featured in the recent T20Is against South Africa and remain part of India's plans for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup 2026.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains unavailable. The Mumbai batter had picked up an injury while fielding during India's ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25. Though initially expected to return for the New Zealand series, his comeback has reportedly been delayed, with the batter set to continue rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for another week.

With leadership changes and key absentees, the series promises to offer opportunities for fresh faces as India look to build momentum at home.