Team India’s selection may take place on January 3 or 4.Image Credit source: PTI
Team India’s campaign in the new year will start from January 11, in which it will face New Zealand. It will start with a 3-match ODI series, for which Team India has not been announced yet. Team India’s ODI squad is expected to be unveiled in the first week of the new year itself. But even before that, big claims have been made about 3 players. There is a lot of speculation about star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant being dropped. Now 2 other legends can be kept out of this series. These two stalwarts are Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.
Why will Bumrah-Pandya not play in the ODI series?
A report in Cricbuzz has claimed that Bumrah and Pandya will not be selected for the three matches of 50 over format to be played between January 11 and January 18. It has been decided to give rest to both of them from this series. The reason for this is the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which will start from 7th February and in that both team india Will be the most important player. Both of them played the most important role in making India the T20 World Champion in 2024, in which their match-winning bowling in the final against South Africa was the most special.
Bumrah and Pandya are part of the T20 World Cup squad, which has already been announced. However, after staying away from the ODI series, both of them will make a comeback in the T20 series against New Zealand starting from January 21, in which 5 matches will be played. This series will serve as preparation for the World Cup for both the teams. Both the series are to be played in India.
Hardik may enter Vijay Hazare
However, it has been claimed in the report that despite being away from the ODI team, Hardik Pandya will be seen in the domestic ODI tournament. During this period, he can play at least 2 matches for Baroda in Vijay Hazare Trophy. The reason for this is said to be BCCI’s order, under which it is mandatory for all the players of the senior team to participate in domestic tournaments. However, star pacer Bumrah has been exempted from this.
Will Rishabh Pant be on leave?
Talking about selection, Team India can be announced on 3rd or 4th January. According to the information, this time the selection committee meeting will be held online only and the team for the ODI series will be selected in it. Recently a report claimed that Rishabh Pant could be dropped from the ODI team. Ishan Kishan can return to the ODI team in place of Pant. Ishaan has already been selected for the T20 World Cup on the basis of his excellent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Now, on the basis of his century in 34 balls in Vijay Hazare Trophy, he seems to be returning to the ODI team also.