India Announce New Zealand ODI and Test Squads: 7 Major Talking Points, From Bumrah’s Return to Split Captaincy

India’s squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand have brought several selection decisions into focus, including two captains for the five-match ODI series, Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the Test team and Rishabh Pant’s fitness status. The selections announced on October 16 also offer a glimpse of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the team’s priorities in Test cricket.

1. Gill and Iyer to Share ODI Captaincy

Shubman Gill will lead India in the first three ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer will take charge for the final two matches. Iyer has been named vice-captain for the opening leg, with Ishan Kishan serving as his deputy when the leadership changes.

The split allows Gill to focus on the two-Test series that follows the ODIs. It also gives the selectors an opportunity to assess leadership options and squad combinations during the tour.

2. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Retained

Experienced batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in both ODI squads and are available for the entire five-match series. Their continued presence gives India a strong core of experienced batters as the team builds towards the next 50-over World Cup.

Their performances and roles within the batting order will remain important as India evaluates combinations for the tournament.

3. Bumrah Returns for Test Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the 16-member Test squad after missing India’s previous World Test Championship assignment against Sri Lanka. His return strengthens the pace attack ahead of matches in New Zealand, where seam movement and bounce could be significant factors.

Bumrah has not been included in either ODI squad, keeping his workload focused on the longer format.

4. Pant’s Selection Depends on Fitness

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been selected for the Tests, but his participation remains subject to fitness clearance. He recently missed the opening two India A Test matches against New Zealand after suffering a left-side strain during the domestic Irani Trophy.

Dhruv Jurel is also part of the Test squad, providing another wicketkeeping option if Pant is unavailable.

5. Jadeja Misses the ODIs but Makes the Test Squad

Ravindra Jadeja has been left out of the ODI selections but remains part of the Test team. The distinction reflects the selectors’ separate plans for the two formats rather than an absence from India’s overall New Zealand tour.

Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are also included for the Tests, giving India a range of spin options alongside its pace resources.

6. Fresh Faces and Changes in the ODI Teams

Kumar Kushagra has received his first senior ODI call-up for the final two matches. Tilak Varma also returns to the ODI setup for that leg, while Auqib Nabi and Yash Thakur are among the players named in the later squad.

The first three ODIs include KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, while the final two squads feature Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra in that role. Prasidh Krishna’s availability for the opening matches depends on fitness clearance.

7. A Busy Schedule Tests India’s Planning

The ODI series begins in Auckland on November 4, with further matches in Wellington and Hamilton before the final two games in Mount Maunganui. The first Test starts in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27

With limited time between formats, India will need to manage player workloads while balancing immediate results with longer-term preparation. The selections suggest that the team is treating the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship as separate priorities, each requiring carefully planned combinations.