IND vs NZ: Team for New Zealand ODI series will be announced today, Rishabh Pant’s fate will also be decided

IND vs NZ: The Indian cricket team is starting the new year 2026 with a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand. BCCI is going to announce the team for this series today i.e. on January 3. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and coach Gautam Gambhir have their eyes on many players, but the most discussion is about Rishabh Pant’s place. Keeping in mind the preparations for the 2027 World Cup, there is little hope of major changes in the team, but some important decisions can be taken.

New era under the captaincy of Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is returning to the team after recovering from a neck injury and he will captain this series. This will be his first captaincy on home ground. Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be in the team, who will strengthen the middle order. The series will be played in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore, which will start from January 11.

Crisis on Rishabh Pant’s place

Rishabh Pant is in a strong position in Test cricket, but his future in ODIs seems uncertain. His last ODI was against Sri Lanka in October 2024. In Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored only one half-century in four matches, which does not go in his favor. KL Rahul is the first wicketkeeper-batsman, who provides stability and finishing. Pant’s aggressive batting was not always successful in ODIs.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are in great form. Kishan made a big score in domestic cricket, while Jurel played an inning of 160 runs. The selectors can exclude Pant and give a chance to any of them.

Big questions in fast bowling

Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are likely to be given rest due to workload management. In such a situation, Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami can take charge of the fast bowling. Shami’s record is good in every condition, whereas Siraj is strong on home ground. There is talk of Shami’s return in full swing.

Competition in batting intensifies

Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed his place with his recent century, but players like Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan are in excellent form. Padikkal has scored three centuries. Selection will be done keeping the future in mind along with maintaining continuity in the team.

This series can decide the direction of the 2027 World Cup for India. The decisions of the selectors will strengthen the team’s strategy. Cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement.