IND vs NZ ODI: Pant, Hardik, Bumrah to be Rested; Ishan Kishan Set for Comeback

The much-anticipated One Day International (ODI) series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to commence on January 11, 2026, featuring three thrilling encounters. While the squad for this crucial series is yet to be officially announced, speculation is rife regarding the selection of three prominent players. According to reports, star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, along with key all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, might be rested from the series, while this decision is reportedly being made with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, where these players are expected to play pivotal roles for India.

Reasons Behind Resting Pandya and Bumrah

Team India's campaign in the new year will kick off on January 11 with the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, while this series, to be played on home soil, presents a significant challenge for the Indian side. Despite the series being just days away, the squad announcement remains pending. It's widely expected that the ODI squad will be unveiled in the first week of the new year. In the interim, several significant claims are circulating within cricketing circles,. Particularly concerning players who might be rested or dropped from the series. These claims have generated considerable excitement and discussion among cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya won't. Be selected for the three 50-over matches scheduled between January 11 and January 18. This decision has been made to provide them with adequate rest, ensuring they're fully prepared for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, while the T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, and both players are considered vital cogs in Team India's machinery for the tournament. They played instrumental roles in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, with their match-winning bowling performances, especially in the final against South Africa, being particularly noteworthy. Maintaining their fitness and form is a top priority for the team management, leading to the strategic decision to rest them from the ODI series.

T20 World Cup Preparations and Return Plan

Both Bumrah and Pandya are already part of the T20 World Cup squad, which has been announced previously. Following their break from the ODI series, these two stalwarts are expected to make their return to competitive cricket in the five-match T20 series against New Zealand, which commences on January 21. This T20 series will serve as a crucial preparatory ground for both teams ahead of the World Cup. With both series being played in India, it will provide the players with an opportunity to acclimatize to home conditions and fine-tune their strategies, while the team management believes that such strategic rest will help keep the players fresh and in peak condition for the major tournament.

Hardik Pandya's Potential Domestic Stint

The report further suggests that despite being rested from the national ODI squad, Hardik Pandya might feature in domestic ODI tournaments. He's expected to play at least two matches for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during this period. This move aligns with a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which mandates all senior team players to participate in domestic tournaments. This rule is implemented to ensure players maintain match fitness and to promote domestic cricket, while however, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been granted an exemption from this rule, likely considering his workload management and injury history.

Rishabh Pant's Future and Ishan Kishan's Strong Bid

The selection committee meeting is anticipated to take place online on January 3 or 4, where the squad for the ODI series will be finalized. A recent report indicated that Rishabh Pant might be dropped from the ODI team, while pant's inconsistent performances and the stellar form of other wicketkeeper-batsmen have raised questions about his place. Ishan Kishan is strongly tipped to make a comeback into the ODI squad in Pant's stead. Kishan has already been selected for the T20 World Cup based on his outstanding performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Plus, his blistering century off just 34 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has caught the attention of selectors, Importantly bolstering his chances for an ODI return. Kishan's explosive batting and reliable wicketkeeping make him a valuable asset to the team.