One notable addition to the ODI lineup is Rachin Ravindra, who was absent from the T20I leg of this tour. Due to an injury he sustained during a commercial advertisement shoot, Rachin Ravindra was unable to participate in the ODIs, thus his availability is a huge boost for New Zealand.
The captain of New Zealand’s squad for the five-match ODI series against India has been revealed to be Mitchell Santner. The series, which starts on November 4, 2026, is a part of a longer visit that also includes five Twenty20 Internationals beginning on October 22 and a two-match Test series in Wellington beginning on November 19.
Going into this series, New Zealand holds a recent advantage. In January 2026, they defeated India 2-1 in their first bilateral ODI series on Indian soil.
Why did New Zealand choose two different teams for the five ODIs?
New Zealand has split their selection throughout the series since several seasoned players have to leave after the third ODI in order to be ready for the two-match Test series that will begin in Wellington on November 19.
Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Nathan Smith are available for the first three games but will not participate in the final two.
For the fourth and fifth ODIs, fresh Zealand will choose a fresh squad. Finn Allen and Lockie Ferguson, who haven’t played since 2023, will both return to the ODI squad for this tour. Mitch Hay and Tim Seifert have been selected wicketkeepers for those two games; Latham will keep for the first three.
What effect will this series have on New Zealand’s overall cricket schedule?
The bilateral match is only one aspect of the five-match ODI series. Rob Walter, New Zealand’s coach, and the team management are expected to see these matches as preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The team makeup for both matches reflects a desire to assess a wider pool of players before that competition. “First and foremost, we are playing against a strong Indian team in front of our supporters in packed stadiums, making this a crucial series for us.” According to the Indian Express, Walter said, “It’s critical for us to view these games as essential training for the ODI World Cup, which is only a year away.”
Because of the split-squad strategy, New Zealand is also able to precisely manage workloads. Players from the second group who participate in all five ODIs will have substantial international exposure, while the senior players who are going to the Test may arrive in Wellington with plenty time to be ready. This tour is one of the most demanding schedules New Zealand has had in a single summer at home.
The whole New Zealand squad for the India ODI series in 2026
ODIs 1-3: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
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ODIs 4-5: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay (wk), Tim Seifert (wk), Nick Kelly, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
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