India’s squad vs New Zealand ODIs: Pant may make way for Kishan, Gill set to return as captain

Shubman Gill is set to return as India’s men’s ODI captain, while vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is likely to remain sidelined when the national senior selection committee finalises the squad for the three-match series against New Zealand.

The selection panel is scheduled to meet online on Saturday. Sportstar understands that Gill, who missed the ODI series against South Africa in November after suffering a neck spasm during the opening Test, will also attend the first official selection committee meeting of the calendar year.

ALSO READ | A mother’s fear, a pacer’s future: How walking away from Wushu shaped Yash Thakur the fast bowler

Gill’s return is expected to result in Dhruv Jurel — who was drafted in as a reserve batter for the South Africa series — making way for the opener. Shreyas, out of action since hurting his abdominal muscles in Australia in October, had been targeting a comeback for the New Zealand ODIs, but delays in his rehabilitation have meant that the middle-order batter is yet to receive medical clearance from the Centre of Excellence.

The only other possible change could be the return of Ishan Kishan in place of Rishabh Pant as the reserve wicketkeeper-batter. Ishan has already been recalled to India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand later this month, as well as the T20 World Cup starting next month.

It is understood that the selection committee feels that, apart from having proven his credentials in the 50-over format during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kishan should also be given sufficient time to re-settle into the Indian dressing room following a two-year absence.

ALSO READ | Was told I will never play for Australia: Khawaja on racial stereotypes, criticism from media and former players

At the same time, there is a school of thought within the selection committee that a senior player like Pant should not be dropped without being given an opportunity. However, sections of the team management and selectors have been concerned about Pant’s inability to consistently rein in his instincts in the shorter formats. As a result, it would not be surprising if Pant makes way for Kishan — his teammate since India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2016.

The bowling department is unlikely to see any changes, with the spin and pace units having delivered consistently across the six ODIs played so far during the ongoing home season.

Published on Jan 02, 2026