Bumrah, Hardik might miss NZ ODIs but play T20I series:Virat Kohli reportedly available for Delhi vs Railways Vijay Hazare match on 6 Jan

Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are likely to miss the three-match ODI series against New Zealand that starts on 11 January. The star duo, according to a Cricbuzz report, however, are likely to be back in action for the subsequent five-match T20I series against the Kiwis, which gets underway on 21 January. Bumrah and Pandya have not played the ODI format for a long time now. The premier fast bowler’s last ODI was way back at the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, which India lost to Australia. Pandya, on the other hand, had last turned up for an ODI in 2025, the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. However, Pandya is expected to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, abiding by the BCCI’s directive of senior cricketers playing domestic cricket, the report adds. Reason why Bumrah and Hardik might miss New Zealand ODIs The Cricbuzz report states that the decision to rest Bumrah and Pandya for the ODI series against New Zealand could be made to keep both players fresh for the T20 World Cup 2026. Needless to say, both the players are pretty crucial if India are to successfully defend their title and hence, they could have some time to rest before returning for the T20Is against the Kiwis. Also read: Virat, Rohit miss third round of Vijay Hazare Trophy: Abhishek Sharma plays for Punjab against Uttarakhand, no Shubman Gill in action yet
Virat Kohli to play Delhi vs Railways Vijay Hazare Trophy match on 6 January Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is reportedly set to return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The star cricketer featured in Delhi’s first two matches of the season- against Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. He was in red-hot form in both these matches, scoring 131 and 77 respectively. Also read: Virat Kohli’s special gift to Gujarat-bowler who ruined his ton:Star cricketer got out for 77 in 2nd Vijay Hazare Trophy game, missed consecutive century Cricbuzz cites a DDCA (Delhi District Cricket Association) official who has confirmed that the star cricketer will return for the team’s league match against Railways on 6 January. The match will be played at the KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) ground in Alur. Kohli will look to continue his good form in ODIs when he faces New Zealand and Team India’s squad for the three-match affair is expected to be announced soon.