IND vs NZ: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya set to miss the ODI series
India are expected to manage the workload of two of their most important white-ball players, with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya likely to be rested for the ODI leg of the upcoming eight-match limited-overs series against New Zealand. The three-match ODI series is set to begin on January 11, and the team management appears keen to prioritize long-term fitness over immediate participation, especially given the packed international calendar ahead. Both Bumrah and Pandya have been central to India’s recent successes and remain vital to the team’s plans across formats. With several high-profile tournaments and series lined up, the decision to rest them from the 50-over matches is seen as a precautionary move aimed at preventing fatigue and reducing the risk of injury. Their absence in the ODI series could also provide opportunities for younger players to gain experience at the international level.
IND vs NZ: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya set to be unavailable for the ODI series
However, the duo of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to rejoin the squad for the five-match T20I series that follows. Those matches will be particularly significant, serving as valuable game time for two senior players in India’s T20I setup. With the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled for February and March, the series against New Zealand will be an important step in fine-tuning combinations and building momentum ahead of the global event. Hardik Pandya has not appeared in an ODI for India since the Champions Trophy final earlier this year, highlighting his limited involvement in the 50-over format in recent times. Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, has also been absent from ODIs for an extended period, having last featured in the format during the final of the 2023 World Cup in November. While both players have seen their ODI appearances curtailed, their overall roles within the team differ significantly. Bumrah has continued to be an integral part of India’s Test setup, regularly leading the pace attack in red-ball cricket and shouldering a heavy workload across long series.
Hardik, in contrast, has gradually transitioned into a specialist white-ball player. Persistent injury concerns during his Test career prompted a shift in focus, allowing him to manage his fitness more carefully while maximizing his impact in limited-overs cricket. Following a recent injury layoff, Hardik returned to competitive action by representing Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, using the tournament to regain rhythm and match sharpness. He carried that form into international cricket, playing an influential role in India’s series victory against South Africa. According to a report, Hardik is now set to feature in two of Baroda’s final three league matches in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, further underlining his steady return to consistent match play.
The Mumbai Cricket Association remains uncertain about Shreyas Iyer’s immediate return to the Mumbai squad, as the batter has been sidelined from competitive cricket since sustaining a spleen injury in late October. His prolonged absence has raised questions about his match readiness and availability, particularly with the domestic season and international commitments approaching important stages.
The Indian team’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand is expected to be announced on either January 4 or January 5, placing Iyer’s fitness and form under close watch from both selectors and team management. While there is no official confirmation regarding his inclusion, developments in the coming days could prove significant. It is understood that Iyer may make himself available for Mumbai before the ODI squad is finalized, potentially using domestic cricket as a platform to demonstrate his fitness and readiness for selection. Such a return would not only help Mumbai strengthen their lineup but could also improve Iyer’s chances of being considered for the national squad, depending on his recovery and performance levels.
The upcoming limited-overs IND vs NZ series will begin with a three-match ODI leg, scheduled to be played across multiple venues in India. The first ODI will take place on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by the second match on January 14 in Rajkot. The final ODI of the series is set to be held on January 18 in Indore, concluding the 50-over contests before the focus shifts to the shortest format. The India vs New Zealand T20I series will get underway on January 21 and will run through to January 31, providing an extended run of matches for players to fine-tune their skills ahead of major international commitments. These games are expected to play an important role in shaping India’s T20 combinations and strategies.
