The Indian cricket team is expected to make some careful workload decisions ahead of a busy international calendar. Star players Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are likely to be rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in January. The move is aimed at keeping both players fresh for the more important T20I series and the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Why Bumrah and Hardik Pandya May Skip the ODI Series
Both Bumrah and Hardik are key players in India’s T20 plans. The team management wants to avoid injury risks and fatigue, especially with a long T20 schedule coming up.
- Jasprit Bumrah has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup final
- Hardik Pandya has been away from ODIs due to fitness concerns
- The focus is on T20 World Cup preparation
As a result, selectors are likely to keep them out of the ODI squad.
IND vs NZ ODI Series Schedule (January 2026)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | January 11 | Baroda |
| 2nd ODI | January 14 | Rajkot |
| 3rd ODI | January 18 | Indore |
The Indian ODI squad is expected to assemble in early January.
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T20I Series: Bumrah and Hardik Set to Return
The five-match T20I series against New Zealand is considered more important, and both Bumrah and Hardik are expected to feature in these games.
India vs New Zealand T20I Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 21 | Nagpur |
| 2nd T20I | January 23 | Raipur |
| 3rd T20I | January 25 | Guwahati |
| 4th T20I | January 28 | Visakhapatnam |
| 5th T20I | January 31 | Thiruvananthapuram |
Hardik Pandya to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches
To stay match-fit and meet domestic cricket requirements, Hardik Pandya is expected to play two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Baroda.
- Likely matches: January 3, 6, or 8
- Venues: Rajkot
- Purpose: Match practice and fitness before T20Is
Pandya has been active mainly in white-ball cricket and is easing back carefully.
Virat Kohli to Play One More VHT Match for Delhi
Senior batter Virat Kohli will play one more Vijay Hazare Trophy match for Delhi before joining the Indian team.
- Match: Delhi vs Railways
- Date: January 6
- Venue: KSCA Ground, Alur
Kohli has already made a strong impact with a century and a half-century in earlier matches.
Update on Rohit Sharma and Other Players
- Rohit Sharma has completed his domestic duty and will not play more VHT games
- Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to play a couple of matches for Mumbai before ODIs
- Shreyas Iyer may return for Mumbai if fully fit after recovering from injury
Resting Bumrah and Hardik shows a long-term planning approach by the team management. With the T20 World Cup coming up, India is clearly prioritising fitness, form, and workload balance over short-term results.
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Conclusion
India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya from the New Zealand ODIs reflects smart squad management. Both players are expected to be fully ready for the T20I series, while senior players like Virat Kohli continue to stay match-ready through domestic cricket. Fans can expect a well-balanced Indian side heading into a crucial phase of the season.
