### Shubman Gill Returns as Captain for India's ODI Series Against New Zealand India's cricketing landscape is set for a significant shift as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, commencing on January 11, 2026. Shubman Gill, who has been recovering from a neck injury, is back to lead the team, while Shreyas Iyer returns as vice-captain after overcoming a spleen injury. This series marks a crucial preparation phase for India ahead of a busy international calendar in 2026, with key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also making their return to the squad. Notably, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been rested for this series, raising questions about his future role in the team [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/india-squad-for-new-zealand-odi-series-announced-shubman-gill-shreyas-iyer-return-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-136851216.html, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/gill-back-indias-captain-in-odi-series-new-zealand-5787851]. ### Breakdown of India's ODI Squad Announcement 1. **Leadership Changes**: - Shubman Gill appointed as captain. - Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain, pending fitness clearance. - Hardik Pandya rested, raising speculation about his future in the squad. 2. **Key Player Returns**: - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to bolster the batting lineup. - Iyer's return is significant after a two-month injury layoff. 3. **Squad Composition**: - The squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. - Mohammed Siraj returns, while Ruturaj Gaikwad has been dropped. 4. **Match Schedule**: - The ODI series consists of three matches: January 11 in Vadodara, January 14 in Rajkot, and January 18 in Indore. 5. **Injury Management**: - Iyer's inclusion is contingent on fitness, highlighting ongoing injury management within the team [https://www.sportingnews.com/in/cricket/news/india-new-zealand-schedule-fixtures-odi-t20i-series/9f0e1433cc4f5efd803104b5, https://www.india.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-2026-odis-shreyas-iyer-all-set-for-comeback-named-as-shubman-gill-to-captain-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-rishabh-pant-will-8254519]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Squad List**: - **Captain**: Shubman Gill - **Vice-Captain**: Shreyas Iyer (pending fitness) - **Key Players**: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and others. - **Match Dates**: - January 11, 2026 - Vadodara - January 14, 2026 - Rajkot - January 18, 2026 - Indore [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3748560-shubman-gill-returns-to-captain-indias-odis-against-new-zealand]. ### Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the Squad Announcement 1. **Leadership Dynamics**: Shubman Gill's return as captain signifies a strategic shift for the team, aiming to leverage his leadership skills and recent form. 2. **Injury Management**: The inclusion of Shreyas Iyer, contingent on fitness, reflects the team's cautious approach to player health. 3. **Squad Depth**: The blend of experience and youth in the squad aims to provide a competitive edge against New Zealand. 4. **Upcoming Challenges**: The series serves as a critical preparation for India, setting the stage for a busy international calendar ahead. In summary, the announcement of India's ODI squad against New Zealand highlights significant changes in leadership and player fitness, setting the tone for an exciting series ahead [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-name-squad-for-new-zealand-odi-series-details/story, https://www.moneycontrol.com/sports/cricket/shreyas-iyer-returns-as-vice-captain-for-odi-series-against-new-zealand-but-faces-race-against-time-article-13755303.html].