Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer to join India squad late before New Zealand ODI series

Team India is getting ready for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11, 2026. The squad is scheduled to assemble in Baroda today. However, two important players, Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, will join the team a little later. Both are finishing their final matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic 50-over tournament, for their respective teams. Pant is playing for Delhi, and Iyer is playing for Mumbai. Their late arrival has been officially permitted by the selectors and team management.

Rishabh Pant, who is also the captain of Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has been allowed to report late to the Indian squad. He has been included in the ODI team as a backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul. Pant has been in good form in domestic cricket this season, scoring 212 runs in six matches at an average of 42.4, including two half-centuries. His consistent performance in domestic cricket played a key role in keeping him in the squad despite speculation that he might be replaced by Ishan Kishan. Pant had not played any international matches since August 2024 but was still part of the Indian squad on most occasions. The selectors also acknowledged his commitment to domestic cricket, which reinforced their decision to keep him in the team for the ODIs against New Zealand.

Shreyas Iyer’s fitness and comeback

Shreyas Iyer is also joining the Indian squad late. He will play the final league match for Mumbai against Punjab on January 8. Iyer has been recovering from spleen surgery and has not played for India since October 2025. The team’s Centre of Excellence is closely monitoring his fitness to ensure he can return safely to international cricket. Despite his long break, Iyer has shown promising form in domestic cricket. In his recent match against Himachal Pradesh, he scored an aggressive 82 runs off just 53 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes.

Iyer’s inclusion in the New Zealand ODI squad is conditional, depending on his fitness. However, as of now, he is expected to feature in the series opener. His return is significant for India, as he is the vice-captain and a key middle-order batsman. His performance and fitness will be important for Team India’s strategy against New Zealand in the three-match series.

Team India’s preparation is ongoing, and the squad will have its first net session in Baroda on January 8. The selectors and coaching staff are closely monitoring the progress of both Pant and Iyer to ensure they are ready for the international challenge. The late arrival of these two players will not affect the team’s overall preparation, as the rest of the squad will begin practice sessions and strategy discussions in advance.

ALSO READ: India’s airport expansion is reshaping the country’s real estate landscape

ALSO READ: US detains Venezuela’s President Maduro, raising questions over impact on Ukraine war and Taiwan tensions

Rishabh Pant’s role in the team is important. While KL Rahul is the primary wicketkeeper, Pant provides a strong backup option and can also contribute with the bat in the middle order. His recent domestic form shows he is ready to perform at the international level. For Iyer, regaining full fitness is the main priority. His ability to play aggressive cricket in the middle order will strengthen India’s batting line-up and provide stability in crucial situations during the ODI series.

The selectors’ decision to include both players despite their domestic commitments shows their confidence in Pant and Iyer. It also highlights the balance between rewarding domestic performance and maintaining a strong international squad. By allowing them to finish their domestic matches first, the team management ensures the players are match-ready and in good form when they join Team India.

The upcoming ODI series against New Zealand is important for India to maintain momentum in limited-overs cricket. Having experienced players like Pant and Iyer in the squad increases India’s chances of performing well. Their presence will also boost team morale, as both are influential figures in Indian cricket. The coaching staff will focus on integrating them smoothly into the team once they arrive in Baroda.

In conclusion, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer will join Team India a little late for the ODI series against New Zealand. Pant is completing his matches for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Iyer is finishing his game for Mumbai while recovering from surgery. Both players are in good form and expected to strengthen India’s squad for the three-match series. The team’s preparation in Baroda continues, and the arrival of these two key players will add experience, skill, and confidence to India’s line-up for the important ODI matches against New Zealand.