For the New Zealand ODI series, Team India are set to rest Jasprit Bumrah along with Hardik Pandya. The move is focused at protecting their fitness with the T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching. Ahead of a packed international calendar, Team India are set to prioritise workload management, with reports advising that Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will be rested for the upcoming ODI series of three-match against New Zealand. With the T20 World Cup 2026 looming large, the Indian Team management is keen to ensure that two of India’s most essential white-ball players are physically fresh and fully prepared for the T20 World Cup 2026.
For the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, both Bumrah and Pandya are, however, expected to return that follows immediately after the three-match ODI series. Ahead of their T20 World Cup defence, the decision reflects a clear separation of priorities,with the shorter format taking supersede as India start to fine-tune combinations and roles of player. Around January 4 or 5, the ODI squad for the New Zealand series is expected to be announced.
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In the ODI leg of the tour, Rishabh Pant is also expected to not play a part. Selectors are likely to turn to Ishan Kishan or Jitesh Sharma to handle the duties of wicketkeeper in his absence. Before the action shifts to the T20Is in Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram between January 21 and 31, 2026, the three-match ODI series are scheduled for January 11, 2026 in Baroda, January 14, 2026 in Rajkot and January 18, 2026 in Indore.
Over the past year, Hardik Pandya careful management has been a recurring theme. Since the Champions Trophy final in March, the all-rounder, who now features exclusive in white-ball cricket, has not played an ODI due to ongoing fitness concerns. Bumrah,Meanwhile Since the 2023 World Cup final, has not featured in the format,with the team management closely monitoring his workload given his importance across formats.
