Khelosuper: India’s Five-Match ODI Squad for NZ Tour 2026
India are preparing for a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on November 4. The selection has brought an interesting change, with Shubman Gill leading the team in the first three matches and Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain for the final two.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are part of both squads. Their presence will give India plenty of experience, while several younger players will get an opportunity to make their mark during the tour.
The series will be played across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui. Instead of keeping the same group throughout, the selectors have made changes to manage player workloads and give different players an opportunity.
Khelosuper Cricket Update: India's Full ODI Squads
India have named separate groups for the opening three matches and the final two games.
Squad for the First Three ODIs
Shubman Gill will captain the side, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain.
Players selected:
-
Shubman Gill (Captain)
-
Rohit Sharma
-
Virat Kohli
-
Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
-
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
-
Axar Patel
-
Naman Dhir
-
Anshul Kamboj
-
Gurnoor Brar
-
Ruturaj Gaikwad
-
Arshdeep Singh
-
Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
-
Mohammed Siraj
-
Kuldeep Yadav
-
Nitish Kumar Reddy (First ODI only)
-
Auqib Nabi
Nitish Kumar Reddy will be available for the opening match before joining the India A squad. Auqib Nabi has been included following Prasidh Krishna's withdrawal due to a hamstring injury.
Squad for the Fourth and Fifth ODIs
Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the final two games, while Ishan Kishan has been named vice-captain.
Players selected:
-
Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
-
Rohit Sharma
-
Virat Kohli
-
Tilak Varma
-
Ishan Kishan (Vice-Captain and Wicketkeeper)
-
Axar Patel
-
Naman Dhir
-
Auqib Nabi
-
Gurnoor Brar
-
Ruturaj Gaikwad
-
Arshdeep Singh
-
Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper)
-
Mohammed Siraj
-
Yash Thakur
-
Kuldeep Yadav
Khelosuper Watch: Gill and Iyer Share Captaincy
The captaincy arrangement is one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series. Gill will handle the first three matches before handing over the responsibility to Iyer.
This arrangement also gives Iyer an opportunity to lead the national side in the 50-over format. Both players have experience at the highest level, but leading India in an international series brings its own pressure.
Rohit and Kohli will be important figures in the dressing room. Their experience could also help the younger members of the squad settle into the challenges of playing in New Zealand.
What Makes This Series Interesting?
India's selection has created several things worth following:
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Experienced batting: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be among the main attractions.
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Different leadership options: Gill and Iyer will get opportunities to captain the side.
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New faces: Players such as Naman Dhir, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi will have a chance to impress.
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Bowling options: Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav provide variety to the attack.
India vs New Zealand ODI Schedule
|
Match |
Date |
Venue |
|
1st ODI |
November 4 |
Auckland |
|
2nd ODI |
November 7 |
Wellington |
|
3rd ODI |
November 10 |
Hamilton |
|
4th ODI |
November 13 |
Mount Maunganui |
|
5th ODI |
November 15 |
Mount Maunganui |
A Good Opportunity Before the Next Big Challenge
The New Zealand tour gives India an opportunity to test their combinations and assess players in different conditions. With two captains, experienced international stars and several younger names in the squad, there will be plenty of individual performances to watch.
For cricket followers, every match could bring a different story. Khelosuper brings together challenges, fun titles and a competitive spirit for fans who enjoy the excitement surrounding sport.
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