The Pragyan Ojha-headed selection committee on Friday (October 16) named the squads for the ODI and Test series against New Zealand. Ojha, the selector with the most Test caps, is continuing as the interim chief selector.
The selection committee picked two squads for the ODI series, as the Test-bound players will leave the team after three ODIs to prepare for the Test series. The list includes Shubman Gill, who will lead India in the first three ODIs. Shreyas Iyer, the ODI team’s vice-captain, will lead the team in the last two games. India have appointed a new vice-captain in the ODI format.
The selection committee ignored Tilak Varma and Axar Patel for the job and the four-member panel picked Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter has been enjoying a purple patch since his return to international cricket and he has joined the leadership group for the first time.
Kishan, who captained Jharkhand to a title win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, has also led Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. He captained the India U-19 team to the final of the 2016 World Cup.
Kishan isn’t part of the Test team and he will play all five ODIs. The left-handed batter is also part of the T20I team. Kishan could be included in the Test team if Rishabh Pant is unfit. Pant will have to prove his fitness before joining the Test team in NZ.
Tilak, Axar ignored for vice-captaincy
The selectors surprisingly ignored Tilak and Axar for the vice-captaincy. Tilak is the present vice-captain of the T20I team. Axar is the former vice-captain of the T20I team. He assisted Suryakumar Yadav in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which the Men in Blue won. Axar, who made his ODI debut, is also one of the senior members of the team.
Kishan’s appointment hints that he could be a contender to lead the Men in Blue in the future if an opportunity arises. The five India-New Zealand will be played on November 4, 7, 10, 13 and 15.