BCCI likely to sideline Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya for ODI series against NZ: Reports

India are expected to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for the New Zealand ODI series as the BCCI sharpens its focus on the T20 World Cup 2026.

Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya (Image | BCCI on X)

India’s preparation roadmap for the T20 World Cup 2026 appears to be influencing selection decisions, with reports suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are unlikely to feature in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The New Zealand series is all set to start from January 11, 2026.

Reports suggest that the decision is likely to be taken as a part of a long-term workload management strategy aimed at keeping India’s most valuable white-ball players fresh for the marquee tournament. With the World Cup just months away, the BCCI seems keen to avoid unnecessary risk and injuries to the star players.

Bumrah’s absence from ODIs has already been noticeable over the past year, with the fast bowler being preserved carefully after a demanding Test and T20 schedule. Pandya, meanwhile, has been used selectively across formats, reflecting his importance as a pace-bowling all-rounder.

The ODI series against New Zealand, while competitive, are reportedly being viewed as an opportunity to assess squad depth rather than rely on established match-winners. This approach signals a broader shift in India’s white-ball priorities, where T20 readiness outweighs short-term bilateral results.

Also read: International Cricket 2025: 5 match-winning innings that made the difference

Will India miss Bumrah, Pandya in ODI series?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have their prime focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 and that's why, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are not in contention for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. While all white-ball series are important, the marquee event holds a bigger place. Moreover, this is also the time to check India's bench strength as there are many players who are ready to represent the country.

WIth the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 going on, many talented players have come to the surface and showcased their talents, knocking on the doors of the selectors. Hence, the selectors have a good chance to look for other players. Infact, Shreyas Iyer's participation is also at stake due to injury. The board is likely to announce the squad on January 4, 2026.

Where to watch the India vs New Zealand match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI match on January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Former India bowler blames Test series loss against SA on Kohli-Rohit transition, makes eye-opening claim

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