India are set to name two separate squads for the five-match ODI series in New Zealand, with major changes planned for the final two games. CricInformer has learned that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will remain in the squads for all five ODIs, while several Test players are expected to leave the ODI group early.
The selection plans also include a potential ODI comeback for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and an opportunity for Suryansh Shedge. Here are seven major updates on India’s squad plans for the upcoming tour.
1. India’s New Zealand ODI Squad Announcement Expected This Weekend
India’s ODI squad is expected to be announced within the next two to three days, most likely on Saturday, October 17, or Sunday, October 18.
Workload planning has been a major reason behind the wait. The ODI series ends on November 15, while the first Test begins on November 19, leaving little time for players involved in both formats to recover and prepare.
The BCCI has been assessing injury risks, player availability and feedback before settling on the selection plan. With greater clarity now available, the announcement is expected this coming weekend.
2. India Set to Announce Two Separate ODI Squads
India are planning one squad for the first three ODIs and another for the fourth and fifth matches.
Most of the main ODI players are expected to feature in the opening three games. The final two matches could bring substantial changes, creating opportunities for newcomers and players outside the regular combination.
The approach would be similar to New Zealand’s decision to select separate groups for the two parts of the series. For India, it would allow players required for the Tests to begin their preparations before the ODI series finishes.
3. Bumrah Expected to Play Two of First Three ODIs; Gill, Rahul and Jaiswal Set to Miss Final Two
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play only two of the first three ODIs before being rested for the fourth and fifth matches to prioritise the Test series.
Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also expected to miss the final two ODIs to begin their Test preparations. That means India will need Shreyas Iyer to lead the ODI side in Gill’s absence.
Prasidh Krishna has started his return process and, if fit, is expected to be considered with the Test squad in mind. Gurnoor Brar’s involvement will also depend on his fitness, with the longer format remaining the focus of his potential selection.
These plans explain why India’s squad for the last two ODIs could look considerably different from the group selected for the first three.
4. Nitish Kumar Reddy to Be Reserved Primarily for Tests
India’s current plan is to prioritise Nitish Kumar Reddy for the Test series rather than give him an extended ODI role on this tour.
The team management has greater expectations from Reddy in the longer format and wants to manage his involvement accordingly. He is being earmarked primarily for the Test assignment.
That decision could also influence the all-rounder selection in the ODI squads, particularly the number of matches for which Suryansh Shedge is included.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Closing In on an ODI Comeback
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is strongly placed to feature in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs.
India could use those matches to assess the experienced seamer in the ODI setup. His inclusion for the final two games is close to certain under the current selection plan, subject to the necessary fitness clearance.
There is also a possibility of Bhuvneshwar being included for the first three matches. That will depend on his fitness condition and the report from the NCA before the squad is finalised.
6. Suryansh Shedge Set for ODI Squad Entry
Suryansh Shedge is set to be included in India’s ODI plans as an alternative to Hardik Pandya.
Shedge will be part of the squad for at least the fourth and fifth ODIs. He could also be selected for all five matches if the management decides to keep Nitish Kumar Reddy fully focused on the Test series.
His exact involvement across the two squads is still being settled, but his entry into the ODI group is part of the current plan.
Shedge impressed with both bat and ball during the recent matches against Australia A. His strong innings in the final one-day game further supported his case for an opportunity with the senior team.
7. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Remain for All Five ODIs
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be included in the squads for all five ODIs.
While several players are expected to move out of the ODI group to prepare for the Tests, the two senior batters will remain available throughout the series.
With their international appearances now limited to the ODI format, each series carries added interest for supporters. Their presence would also give the revised squad for the final two matches experienced batting support as India introduce other players into the side.
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