India vs New Zealand ODI series: Big Names, Big Calls
Selectors are reportedly set to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya from the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series beginning 11 January 2026, as part of long-term planning for the T20 World Cup 2026. The three-match India vs New Zealand ODI series will be played in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore between 11 and 18 January.
According to multiple reports, both stars are still expected to feature in the five-match T20I leg of the New Zealand tour of India, starting 21 January, which will be India’s final T20I assignment before the World Cup. Team India’s full squad for the India vs New Zealand ODI series is likely to be announced soon, with fans keen to see who fills the big shoes of Bumrah and Hardik.
Why Bumrah, Hardik May Skip New Zealand ODIs
Reports suggest the management wants Bumrah and Hardik fresh for the T20 World Cup 2026, viewing them as central to India’s title defence. Both are understood to be fully fit, but the decision is driven by workload management and the importance of the upcoming T20 calendar.
Bumrah has not played an ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, while Hardik’s last 50-over appearance came in the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai. Hardik is also expected to stay match-ready through domestic one-day games, in line with BCCI’s emphasis on senior players featuring in domestic cricket when not on national duty.
Full Focus On India vs New Zealand T20I Series
The India vs New Zealand T20I series begins in Nagpur on 21 January and runs till 31 January, just a week before the T20 World Cup gets underway. This series is seen as India’s final chance to fine-tune combinations, with Bumrah and Hardik likely to play all five games.
With venues including Nagpur and other key centres, the T20Is will test India’s bowling depth, lower-order hitting and flexibility under pressure ahead of the global event. For fans, the India vs New Zealand ODI series will still offer opportunities to watch fringe players push for spots, while the T20Is should feature a near full-strength core around Bumrah and Hardik.
Virat Kohli To Play Delhi vs Railways Vijay Hazare Clash On 6 January
In a major boost for domestic cricket, Virat Kohli is set to turn out for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy league match against Railways on 6 January at the KSCA ground in Alur. A DDCA official has reportedly confirmed that Kohli will play one more game before rejoining Team India for the New Zealand ODIs.
Kohli has been in sizzling List-A form, having already scored 131 and 77 in his first two Vijay Hazare games this season for Delhi. His return to domestic one-day cricket complies with BCCI’s directive that centrally contracted stars must play domestic tournaments when available, and it also doubles up as ideal preparation for the high-stakes India vs New Zealand ODI series.
Why This Matters Now For Indian Cricket Fans
For Indian cricket followers, the twin developments underline a clear shift towards smarter workload management and stronger respect for domestic cricket. Resting Bumrah and Hardik from the India vs New Zealand ODI series highlights how seriously the management is treating the T20 World Cup defence, while Kohli’s presence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy boosts the stature of the tournament and inspires young domestic players.
Fans will watch closely how India’s second-string pace and all-round options respond in the ODIs, and whether Kohli can carry his domestic form into yet another big home series against New Zealand
