Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer return; end of Mohammed Shami’s career?:5 talking points from India’s ODI squad for series against New Zealand

India’s squad for the much-anticipated ODI series against New Zealand was announced by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) on 3 December. Shubman Gill has made his return to the ODI team after recovering from his neck injury. Shreyas Iyer is back as his deputy after sustaining a spleen injury. India will host New Zealand for three ODIs that start from 11 January. The ODIs will be followed by five T20Is, which will get underway on 21 January. India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and T20Is against New Zealand was announced earlier. 1) Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer’s return from injury The biggest talking point from India’s ODI squad against New Zealand was the return of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Gill had suffered a neck injury in the Kolkata Test against South Africa and had missed the three ODIs against the Proteas that took place from 30 November to 6 December. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, had been out of action since suffering a spleen injury in the Sydney ODI against Australia. He was picked as vice-captain, but his selection is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI’s CoE (Centre of Excellence). Also read: Gill, Iyer return as India announce squad for NZ ODIs: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma retain spots after Vijay Hazare heroics, Rishabh Pant picked 2) End of the road for Mohammed Shami? Is this the end of the road for Mohammed Shami? The experienced fast bowler was not selected in India’s ODI squad despite having performed well in domestic cricket. The 35-year-old had last played an ODI in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on 9 March 2025. He was the highest wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup in 2023 and was second at the ICC Champions Trophy last year. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season, Shami has played five matches so far for Bengal, picking up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 5.65. Shami’s non-selection does seem a bit harsh, given his performance in recent times. Having said that, India seem to put long-term faith in the 15-member squad that they have picked for the ODI series. 3) Ruturaj Gaikwad misses out despite century vs South Africa Ruturaj Gaikwad has missed out of India’s 15-member squad, despite scoring a century against South Africa. The right-hander had batted at number four in the ODI series against South Africa, with Shreyas Iyer absent due to injury. Gaikwad has also been in good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring one century and managing 257 runs in 5 matches so far. 4) Mohammed Siraj makes ODI comeback Mohammed Siraj has made his way back to India’s ODI squad. Siraj was not part of India’s ODI setup for the three-match series against South Africa. His last ODI was back in Sydney on 25 October when India had toured Australia for white-ball competition. Siraj had picked up two wickets in three ODI matches in that series in October 2025. In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Siraj will look to assume the role of the leader of India’s bowling attack. Also read: India-New Zealand Indore ODI tickets sold out in 5 minutes: Booking opened at 5 AM, several fans left empty-handed; match is on 18 January
5) Why was Hardik Pandya not selected? Hardik Pandya was not picked for the three ODIs against New Zealand with an eye on his workload management. The all-rounder, hours before the team announcement, smashed his maiden List-A century. Many would have expected to see him selected, given the X-factor he brings to any lineup. But he did not make it to the squad. The BCCI, stated that he was not cleared to bowl 10 overs in a match and hence, not selected. “Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, and considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed,” the BCCI said.