BCCI has named India’s 15-player team for the three ODIs against New Zealand. Mohammed Shami and Ruturaj Gaikwad missed India’s ODI squad vs New Zealand. Selectors chose continuity, fitness, and balance. Shami’s concerns linger despite domestic form; Gaikwad overlooked post-SA century for Shreyas Iyer’s return.
Shami’s Exclusion
Selectors didn’t pick Shami for the team due to fitness concerns. He hasn’t played ODIs since the 2025 Champions Trophy, even though he took 20 wickets in just four Ranji Trophy matches this season. The team now prefers younger fast bowlers over his experience, as he’s had a heavy domestic workload. His coach says this is unfair, pointing to his strong stamina in recent long-format games.
ODIs Stats
| Innings | Wickets | BBF | Average | Economy | 5 wicket hauls |
| 107 | 206 | 7/57 | 24.05 | 5.28 | 6 |
Gaikwad’s Exclusion
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a century in the recent ODI series against South Africa but was still dropped from the team. Yashasvi Jaiswal kept the third opener position, and Shreyas Iyer’s return was prioritized once he gets fitness clearance. Gaikwad’s ability to bat at No. 4 didn’t help him get a backup spot, as the top order is already fixed.
Also Read: Unforgettable Moments of Cricket in 2025
ODI Stats
| Innings | Runs | Strike-rate | Average | Highest | 50s/100s |
| 8 | 228 | 89.76 | 28.50 | 105 | 1/1 |
This decision reflects India’s strategic rotation policy ahead of a busy home season, balancing player health with squad depth.
