Former opener Aakash Chopra has shared his preferred India squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11. Chopra picked Shubman Gill to lead the team after he missed the recent ODI series against South Africa, while Sanju Samson did not feature in his chosen squad.
Samson has been out of the ODI setup since December 2023, when he scored a match-winning century against South Africa in Paarl. Rishabh Pant has been the reserve wicketkeeper for KL Rahul, who is India’s first-choice option behind the stumps in the format. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will bring excitement to fans.
Aakash Chopra Picks India’s Squad For New Zealand ODIs
In a video shared on his Instagram, Aakash Chopra said that Shubman Gill will return as Indian captain and open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma. Chopra said that he had no doubts about Virat Kohli, who won Player of the Series against South Africa.
“Gill is fit and available, and he will be back as a captain. There will be no questions there. Rohit Sharma will be seen opening with him, which means Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century, but he will have to wait. At No. 3, Player of the Series Virat Kohli, who is looking like a man on a mission,” Chopra said.
The former opener said that Ruturaj Gaikwad would play at No. 4, with Shreyas Iyer likely unavailable. Chopra placed KL Rahul at No. 5 as a batter and wicketkeeper in the side.
“The update on Shreyas Iyer is that he won’t be available for this series. So don’t be surprised if his name is not there, and if his name is not there, Ruturaj continues at No. 4. At No. 5, I have got KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper, as a batter, and maybe as a vice-captain in the side,” he added.
Aakash Chopra Picks All-Rounders In His India’s Squad
The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that the selectors must make a clear choice between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja as the left-arm spin all-rounder. He said that one of Axar or Jadeja can be included in the squad.
“After that, there is a call that who should be taken between Axar and Jaddu. At times, you feel like Axar Patel will play the five T20Is, so Jaddu can be kept here and Axar can be kept there, but Jaddu’s performance was slightly fifty-fifty in the last series. So I think Axar Patel is ahead of him in the race from a long-term perspective. One between the two, not both of them,” Chopra observed.
Chopra also backed Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma in his preferred XI. He said that both players add batting depth. Sundar missed the previous match, while Tilak featured.
“After that, there is a place for Washington Sundar in my team. Although Washi didn’t play the last match and Tilak Varma played in his place, I will keep both Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma because continuity is important,” he added.
Aakash Chopra Finalizes His India’s Bowling Attack
Aakash Chopra backed Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh as his first-choice seamers. He added flexibility to his bowling plans by keeping Kuldeep Yadav as an option, especially in conditions without dew, where a fast bowler could make way for the left-arm wrist-spinner.
“After that, I have kept Harshit Rana. He won you a game. He did well in Sydney and his performance against South Africa was also good. After that, I am saying bring Siraj back. It’s enough now. So Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. This is the story close to my XI,” Chopra observed.
Chopra also included Prasidh Krishna to ensure extra pace depth, preferring a specialist quick over an all-round option. He named Rishabh Pant as the reserve wicketkeeper and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup opener.
“Kuldeep Yadav can come in that if there is no dew. You can drop a fast bowler and play Kuldeep Yadav. So at No. 12, I have got Kuldeep Yadav. After that, I will keep Prasidh Krishna in the team. I need an extra fast bowler. You don’t play Nitish Kumar Reddy at all. So I haven’t kept his name in the team. I will rather keep a proper fast bowler whom I can play,” he elaborated.
Aakash Chopra’s Indian squad for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal
