Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya likely to skip New Zealand ODIs ahead of T20 World Cup
Star all-rounders Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are likely to be rested for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The decision has been taken with more important assignments in mind, particularly the 2026 T20 World Cup, with both players expected to feature in the subsequent five-match T20I series against the Kiwis—India’s final T20I assignment before the global tournament.
Bumrah and Pandya to skip ODIs, play T20Is
The report suggests that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has opted to manage the workload of Bumrah and Pandya by resting them for the three ODIs against New Zealand, which begin on January 11 in Vadodara. However, both are expected to play all five T20I matches against New Zealand to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Bumrah has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup final, while Pandya has been absent from the 50-over format since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Both players have been prioritized for T20Is given their importance to India’s white-ball setup and the need to ensure they are fully fit and match-ready for the World Cup.
With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, the T20I series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial opportunity for India to finalize their combinations, test strategies, and ensure their key players are in peak form.
Shreyas Iyer eyes ODI return after spleen injury
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is making steady progress in his recovery from a serious spleen injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney in October. Iyer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since December 25.
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar confirmed that the association will speak to Iyer about his availability for the later stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“No, we have not spoken to Shreyas yet. But we will speak to him about his availability. As of now, there is no official confirmation on this, but it may come from him in the next few days,” Khanvilkar told IANS.
A day before arriving at the CoE, Iyer resumed batting after restarting lightweight gym training, spending 30-34 minutes in the nets at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai.
A source tracking Iyer’s recovery said if all goes well and clearance from the CoE is granted, Iyer could return to action for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches scheduled for January 3 and 6 in Jaipur.
“The progress of Shreyas at the CoE has been good so far. He’s targeting the last two Vijay Hazare Trophy games to return to action. It’s up to selectors now to decide on his return to the ODI team,” the source added.
Iyer’s potential ODI comeback
If Iyer’s recovery continues on track, it will be interesting to see whether the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee includes him in the squad for the three ODIs against New Zealand. The selection panel is set to meet in the first week of January to finalize the squad.
Iyer’s return would be a major boost for India’s middle order as they build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. The right-hander has been a consistent performer in the 50-over format and his presence would add depth and experience to the batting lineup.
Following the series opener in Vadodara, India and New Zealand will play the remaining two ODIs in Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18).