India are set to begin their 2026 international season with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but the headline selection talking point ahead of the home assignment is the wicketkeeper call, with Rishabh Pant unlikely to be picked and KL Rahul set to continue as first-choice gloveman.
The ODIs will be played in Vadodara (January 11), Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18) and the BCCI is expected to announce the squad shortly. While the core of the side remains settled, the selectors’ preference behind the stumps offers a clear signal of their thinking as India step into a new calendar year.
Rahul first choice, Kishan ahead of Pant
KL Rahul is expected to retain the wicketkeeper-batter’s role in the ODI set-up, having been India’s preferred option in the format over the past year. With Pant likely to be left out as per a claim in an India Today report, Ishan Kishan is set to be named as Rahul’s back-up, continuing his return to favour after strong domestic showings recently.
The decision effectively sidelines Pant from the ODI picture for now. Kishan’s is also a left-hander, much like Pant, which offers a left-handed batting option in the middle or top order, offering balance to India’s right-hand-heavy top order including the likes of Shubmab Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Gill back as captain; familiar core retained
Shubman Gill is set to return as captain after missing the South Africa ODIs due to injury and will lead India in his second ODI series in charge. His comeback is likely to push Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the starting XI despite the opener’s unbeaten century in South Africa.
Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to the ODI fold, while Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to retain his place after scoring a century at No. 4 against South Africa. Shreyas Iyer is also in line for selection despite not having played competitive cricket since his injury in October 2025.
In the bowling department, India are expected to field a balanced attack featuring Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as all-round options, Kuldeep Yadav as the lead spinner and a pace group comprising Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.
India’s likely squad for New Zealand ODIs
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.