Hardik Pandya omitted from India’s ODI squad for New Zealand series
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been left out of India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the decision on Saturday, citing workload management and fitness precautions ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Why Pandya was not picked
According to the BCCI, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) has not cleared Hardik to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in a 50-over game. With the T20 World Cup less than two years away, team management is deliberately managing his workload to reduce the risk of re-injury and to keep him fresh for major T20 assignments.
“Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, and considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed.”
Recent form and fitness history
Hardik’s last international 50-over appearance was in February 2025 during the Champions Trophy. He has since featured only in T20 internationals. Domestically, he made a strong statement in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 with a belligerent 133 off 92 balls in round five, though he bowled just two overs in that match.
He returned to competitive cricket at the end of 2025 during the five-match T20I series against South Africa after missing roughly two months because of a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025. Given his role as a central all-rounder in India’s shorter-format plans, it’s understandable that the selectors and medical team are being cautious.
What this means for India
Excluding Hardik from the ODI squad is a conservative, long-term play. With his bowling not yet at full capacity, thrusting him into a 50-over workload could increase the chance of aggravating past injuries. His batting appears in good nick, so this phased return — restricting bowling while allowing batting involvement in shorter formats — seems aimed at preserving his availability for big tournaments.
India’s ODI squad still carries plenty of experience and variety across batting and bowling, allowing the team to cover the all-round responsibilities while Hardik completes his recovery and workload management plan.
India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Shreyas Iyer (VC)*
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohd Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Prasidh Krishna
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
Looking ahead
Hardik’s absence from the ODI line-up does not signal an end to his international role, but rather a careful management strategy. If the CoE clears him to bowl fully in the coming months, a return to the 50-over side is possible. For now, India will rely on the squad’s existing balance and monitor Hardik closely as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.