The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India's squads for the upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer set to captain the side in the fourth and fifth ODIs. Shubman Gill will lead India in the opening three matches of the five-game series.
The announcement, made on October 16, 2026, also confirmed India's squad for the two-Test series. The tour will feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, providing India with an important opportunity to assess players across formats ahead of the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Shreyas Iyer to Take Charge for Final Two ODIs
Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, with Iyer serving as vice-captain. For the final two matches, Iyer will take over the leadership role, while Ishan Kishan has been named vice-captain and wicketkeeper.
The split arrangement gives India an opportunity to distribute leadership responsibilities across the series while assessing different combinations.
Iyer's appointment is one of the headline developments in the squad announcement. The middle-order batter will be expected to contribute with the bat while managing the team during the final phase of the ODI leg.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Included
Experienced batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included in both ODI squads. Their presence gives India considerable experience as the team continues preparations for the next ODI World Cup.
KL Rahul features in the squad for the first three ODIs, while Ishan Kishan is included as a wicketkeeping option. Kumar Kushagra has been selected for the final two matches.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Naman Dhir are among the other players included in India's ODI plans.
The selectors have also made changes between the two squads, allowing the team management to assess additional players during the five-match series.
India ODI Squads for New Zealand Tour
First Three ODIs
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav.
Prasidh Krishna's selection is subject to fitness clearance.
Fourth and Fifth ODIs
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.
Ravindra Jadeja is not included in either of the announced ODI squads.
India Test Squad Announced
Gill will also lead India in the two-Test series against New Zealand, with KL Rahul named vice-captain.
Akash Deep, Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are among the players returning to the Test squad. Rishabh Pant's selection is subject to fitness clearance.
The Test series will be important for India's campaign in the ICC World Test Championship, with valuable points at stake as both teams look to strengthen their positions.
India Tour of New Zealand 2026: Full Schedule
The tour begins with the T20I series on October 22 before moving into the ODI and Test legs.
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1st T20I | October 22 | Christchurch |
2nd T20I | October 24 | Christchurch |
3rd T20I | October 27 | Wellington |
4th T20I | October 30 | Auckland |
5th T20I | November 1 | Hamilton |
1st ODI | November 4 | Auckland |
2nd ODI | November 6 | Hamilton |
3rd ODI | November 9 | Wellington |
4th ODI | November 12 | Christchurch |
5th ODI | November 15 | Mount Maunganui |
1st Test | November 19–23 | Wellington |
2nd Test | November 27–December 1 | Christchurch |
What the Captaincy Change Means for India
The decision to appoint Iyer captain for the final two ODIs gives India another opportunity to assess its leadership options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Gill remains central to India's plans across formats, while Iyer will have a chance to demonstrate his leadership in the closing matches. With senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli included, the series will also provide valuable experience and competitive preparation.
India's tour of New Zealand promises a demanding test across all three formats, beginning with the T20Is on October 22.
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