India are set to prioritise workload management ahead of a packed international calendar, with reports suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will be rested for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. With the T20 World Cup looming large, the team management is keen to ensure that two of India’s most vital white-ball players are physically fresh and fully prepared for the marquee event.
Both Bumrah and Pandya are, however, expected to return for the five-match T20I series that follows immediately after the ODIs. The decision reflects a clear separation of priorities, with the shorter format taking precedence as India begin to fine-tune combinations and player roles ahead of their T20 World Cup defence. The ODI squad for the New Zealand series is likely to be announced around January 4 or 5.
Rishabh Pant is also expected to not play a part in the ODI leg of the tour. In his absence, selectors are likely to turn to Ishan Kishan or Jitesh Sharma to handle wicketkeeping duties. The ODIs are scheduled for January 11 in Baroda, January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore, before the action shifts to the T20Is in Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram between January 21 and 31.
Pandya’s careful management has been a recurring theme over the past year. The all-rounder, who now features exclusively in white-ball cricket, has not played an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March due to ongoing fitness concerns. Bumrah, meanwhile, has not featured in the format since the 2023 World Cup final, with the team management closely monitoring his workload given his importance across formats.
Despite being rested from international duty, Pandya is expected to turn out for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This would ensure compliance with the BCCI’s directive mandating domestic participation for centrally contracted players. He is likely to feature in two of Baroda’s final three league matches, scheduled for January 3, 6 and 8 in Rajkot.
– Ends
