India’s Men’s Selection Committee has named strong squads for the upcoming five-ODI and two-Test tour of New Zealand in November 2026, with Shubman Gill handed the leadership reins for the bulk of the assignment.
Gill will captain the side in the first three ODIs as well as both Test matches. Shreyas Iyer takes over the captaincy for the fourth and fifth ODIs, a clear indication that the selectors are looking to manage workload and prepare multiple leaders ahead of a packed international calendar.
The ODI squad for the opening three matches features a powerful mix of experience and form. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return alongside Gill, while KL Rahul keeps wickets and Shreyas Iyer serves as vice-captain. All-round options include Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel, with the pace attack led by Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna (subject to fitness). Kuldeep Yadav adds wrist-spin variety.
For the final two ODIs, Iyer steps up as captain with Ishan Kishan named vice-captain and wicketkeeper. Tilak Varma and Auqib Nabi come into the side, while Yash Thakur and Kumar Kushagra also feature, giving the selectors a look at different combinations.
In the Test squad, Gill continues as captain with KL Rahul as his deputy. The batting line-up includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rishabh Pant has been named, subject to fitness clearance, with Dhruv Jurel providing cover behind the stumps. The spin department is well-stocked with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pace attack is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj.
The tour begins after India’s T20I series. The ODI fixtures are scheduled for Auckland (4 November), Wellington (7 November), Hamilton (10 November) and two matches in Mount Maunganui (13 and 15 November). The two Tests will be played in Wellington (starting 19 November) and Christchurch (starting 27 November).
With several senior players returning and a clear plan for leadership transition in the shorter format, India head to New Zealand with a balanced and well-equipped squad.
