The BCCI has confirmed changes to India’s squad ahead of the five-match ODI series, beginning in Auckland on Wednesday.
The BCCI has confirmed changes to India’s squad ahead of the five-match ODI series, beginning in Auckland on Wednesday. Shubman Gill will lead the opening three matches before Shreyas Iyer takes charge for the final two.
By Webfit News Sports Desk | Auckland | 1 November 2026
India have made changes to their squad for the upcoming five-match One Day International series against New Zealand, with fast bowler Prasidh Krishna ruled out through injury and Auqib Nabi added to the squad from the opening match.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Krishna has not recovered sufficiently from a hamstring injury to meet the fitness requirements for the series, which begins at Auckland’s Eden Park on Wednesday, 4 November.
The 30-year-old fast bowler was originally selected subject to fitness clearance but requires additional time to build up his bowling workload.
In a further announcement on 31 October, the BCCI confirmed that 29-year-old right-arm pacer Auqib Nabi, initially selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs, would now be available for all five matches.
The changes come as India prepare to move from the T20I series into a demanding ODI and Test schedule across New Zealand.
Prasidh Krishna’s Recovery Takes Priority
Krishna’s absence is a setback for India’s pace-bowling options, particularly with the longer-format matches approaching.
According to the BCCI, the fast bowler will instead join India A for the third and final four-day match against New Zealand A, subject to clearing his Return to Play assessment.
The arrangement is intended to give him match practice and help prepare him for the two-match Test series beginning in Wellington on 19 November.
Krishna remains in India’s announced Test squad, although his participation will depend on his recovery and fitness.
Auqib Nabi Gets Opportunity From Opening ODI
Nabi’s inclusion gives India another pace-bowling option for the opening three matches in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton.
The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler was originally scheduled to join the ODI squad for the final two matches at Mount Maunganui.
However, the selectors have now brought him into the squad from the beginning of the series.
Nabi made his ODI debut against the West Indies in October and has also been involved with India A during the New Zealand tour.
His earlier performances for India A included six wickets across two innings against New Zealand A, strengthening his case for selection.
With Krishna unavailable, Nabi joins a pace-bowling group that includes Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj and Gurnoor Brar for the opening three ODIs.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Available Only for Auckland Match
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will remain with the ODI squad for the opening match at Eden Park on 4 November.
He will then move to India A for the third four-day match against New Zealand A.
The BCCI said the decision is intended to provide Reddy with red-ball match practice before the Test series.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj has been assigned to India A for the second four-day match against New Zealand A, which began on 31 October.
These arrangements reflect India’s efforts to manage players across three formats during an extended tour.
Gill to Lead First Three ODIs, Iyer Takes Over for Final Two
India will also have a change of captain midway through the ODI series.
Shubman Gill will captain the team for the opening three matches, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain.
Iyer will then lead India in the fourth and fifth ODIs at Mount Maunganui, with Ishan Kishan taking over as vice-captain.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in both ODI squads, providing continuity as other players move between the white-ball and red-ball preparations.
The revised squads also feature different combinations for the two stages of the series, with Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra and Yash Thakur among those selected for the final two matches.
India’s Updated ODI Squad for First Three Matches
Captain: Shubman Gill
Vice-captain: Shreyas Iyer
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (first ODI only) and Auqib Nabi.
India’s Updated ODI Squad for Fourth and Fifth Matches
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Vice-captain: Ishan Kishan
Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.
India vs New Zealand: ODI Schedule
|
Match |
Date |
Venue |
|
1st ODI |
Wednesday, 4 November |
Eden Park, Auckland |
|
2nd ODI |
Saturday, 7 November |
Wellington |
|
3rd ODI |
Tuesday, 10 November |
Hamilton |
|
4th ODI |
Friday, 13 November |
Mount Maunganui |
|
5th ODI |
Sunday, 15 November |
Mount Maunganui |
All five ODIs are scheduled to begin at 3 pm New Zealand daylight time (NZDT).
Two-Test Series to Follow
India’s New Zealand tour will conclude with two Test matches.
The first Test begins in Wellington on 19 November, followed by the second in Christchurch from 27 November to 1 December.
The Test squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, alongside captain Shubman Gill.
Rishabh Pant has been named subject to fitness clearance.
For India, the coming weeks will involve balancing ODI performances with preparations for the Test series, while giving selected players opportunities through the India A programme.
For New Zealand cricket supporters, the opening ODI at Eden Park will also bring the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s 50-over colours.
With Krishna unavailable and Nabi joining earlier than originally planned, India’s pace-bowling combination will be one of the selection decisions to watch when the ODI series gets underway in Auckland.
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