Indian cricket fans are always excited whenever Team India takes the field, but the excitement surrounding ODI cricket has reached another level because of two legendary players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Both have ruled international cricket for years, entertaining millions of fans with their extraordinary batting performances. However, with the possibility that they could retire after the 2027 ODI World Cup, every remaining ODI appearance has become even more special for their supporters.
Fans now want India to play as many ODI matches as possible so they can watch Rohit and Kohli bat together. Every cover drive from Kohli and every pull shot from Rohit is something supporters want to cherish before these two legends eventually bring their international careers to an end.
Naturally, there is tremendous excitement surrounding India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
However, a major development has emerged regarding India’s squad selection, and it could lead to some surprising changes during the five-match series.
Interestingly, India could adopt the same strategy that New Zealand have already followed. Although it would not be entirely accurate to say India are copying the Black Caps, as reports about India’s possible approach had also emerged earlier.
India Could Announce Two Separate ODI Squads Against New Zealand
According to information received by CricInformer, India are considering announcing two separate squads for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
The reason behind this potential decision is the extremely short gap between the ODI series and the subsequent Test series.
The fifth and final ODI is scheduled for November 15, while the Test series begins on November 19. This leaves only three full days between the two assignments.
With such a tight schedule, India could decide to release several regular Test players from ODI duties after the first three matches.
Under the reported plan, India’s main ODI team would feature in the opening three matches, while the squad could undergo significant changes for the final two ODIs.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul Could Miss the Final Two ODIs
Two major names who could be affected by this arrangement are Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.
Both are important members of India’s Test setup, and the team management could prefer to give them additional preparation time before the red-ball series.
As a result, Gill and Rahul are unlikely to feature in the final two ODIs if India proceed with the proposed squad rotation.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the ODI series.
His selection for the ODI assignment is not guaranteed at this stage. However, even if Bumrah is included, he is unlikely to play the final two matches because of his importance to India’s Test bowling attack.
The same approach could apply to other players expected to feature regularly in India’s Test playing XI.
Shreyas Iyer Could Captain India in the Final Two ODIs
Another interesting development concerns India’s captaincy.
According to the information available, Shreyas Iyer is a strong possibility to lead India in the final two ODIs against New Zealand.
With Shubman Gill potentially unavailable because of Test preparations, India could turn to Iyer to take charge of the team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Could Get an ODI Opportunity
The possible squad rotation could also create opportunities for players who are not regular members of India’s current ODI setup.
One name worth watching is Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
There is a possibility that the experienced fast bowler could come into ODI consideration, particularly for the final two matches, if he performs well in the T20I series.
With several established Test players potentially unavailable, it will be interesting to see which other cricketers get an opportunity in India’s ODI squad.
New Zealand Have Already Announced Two ODI Squads Against India
While India’s final ODI squad is still awaited, New Zealand have already confirmed two separate squads for the five-match series.
The Black Caps have adopted this approach to manage their players’ workloads ahead of the Test series, while also giving other cricketers an opportunity to prove themselves before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mitchell Santner will captain both squads. Seven additional players, including Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert, will join the ODI group for the final two matches.
New Zealand Squad for First Three ODIs (November 4, 7 and 10)
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
New Zealand Squad for Final Two ODIs (November 13 and 15)
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Blair Tickner, Will Young.
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