Ishan Kishan or Rishabh Pant, who will get the nod?:BCCI set to announce India’s squad for New Zealand series today; Bumrah-Hardik likely to be rested in ODIs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India’s squads for the upcoming New Zealand series later today, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and ODI captain Shubman Gill expected to address the media. India will host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series, which will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to be the main attractions in the ODI leg, while the selection may also throw up a few surprises inclusions. According to reports, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are expected to be rested, as the team management looks to manage workload ahead of a busy international calendar. Selection debates are expected around the wicketkeeper’s spot, with Ishan Kishan competing with Rishabh Pant, who is pushing for a return to the ODI setup. At the same time, the selectors are closely monitoring domestic performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mohammed Shami all in contention based on their current form ahead of the New Zealand series. Rohit-Virat to play their first ODI match of 2026 After an impressive ODI season in 2025, India’s iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to kick off the new year in style when India takes on New Zealand in their first match of 2026. Both veterans closed out last year on a high, turning out for their domestic sides in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and scoring centuries for Mumbai and Delhi, respectively, underlining their red-ball-to-white-ball dominance. Looking ahead, Rohit and Virat are expected to be central figures in India’s ODI plans this year, with the duo scheduled to feature in 18 One-Day Internationals. If the proposed Bangladesh series is confirmed, that number could rise to 21 ODIs by the end of 2026, giving the legendary pair ample opportunity to continue rewriting records on the international stage. Ishan Kishan or Rishabh Pant, who will get the nod in NZ series? Ishan Kishan’s strong form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 has put him firmly in the spotlight, especially after he led Jharkhand to their maiden title in the tournament. His consistent performances in the shortest format have once again underlined his value as a reliable limited-overs batter and wicketkeeper. At the same time, Rishabh Pant has been active in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, captaining Delhi and contributing with the bat. He has already registered a half-century in the league so far. With both players making a case through domestic performances, the BCCI selectors are keeping a close watch, and the race to earn the wicketkeeper’s spot for the New Zealand series promises to be an interesting one. Bumrah-Pandya likely to be rested, Shami-Siraj could be considered As Team India prepares for a five-match T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup starting on February 7 in India, the management is likely to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya during the ODI series against New Zealand. Both players are expected to return for the T20I leg as part of the final build-up to the marquee tournament. In Bumrah’s absence, the BCCI may look at experienced options like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, especially considering their strong domestic performances in 2024. Their inclusion could help India maintain a balanced bowling attack while managing the workload of key players ahead of the World Cup.