India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI: Shubman Gill Leads, Bumrah & Hardik Rested, Mohammed Shami in Focus

India is all set to face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting January 11 in Vadodara, with subsequent matches in Rajkot and Indore. The BCCI selectors are finalizing the squad, and Shubman Gill is expected to lead the team. Senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are likely to be rested to keep them fresh for the upcoming T20 World Cup in February, while the inclusion of Rishabh Pant remains uncertain, sparking discussions among fans and experts. Meanwhile, in-form domestic batters like Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are pressing their claims, and the fitness of Mohammed Shami could see him make a comeback. This series gives India a chance to test bench strength and combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup, balancing experience and fresh talent across the lineup.