India is set to announce its squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara, amid plenty of speculation and questions over team selection.

Rishabh Pant’s recent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been patchy, with just one half-century in four matches. Despite being a high-risk, high-reward batter, Pant has been largely overlooked in ODIs over the past 18 months. Since 2024, Pant has played only a solitary ODI, during Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach, following his return from a car accident.

Pant’s limited opportunities, combined with the emergence of other wicketkeeper-batters such as Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel, raise questions about whether he will retain his place in the squad. With KL Rahul firmly entrenched as the team’s primary batter-keeper, only two spots remain for the other keepers, creating a potential squeeze for Pant.

The top order also faces selection challenges. Devdutt Padikkal has been in sensational form in the ongoing National Championship, averaging over 92 across 37 games, including three centuries in four matches. However, with Shubman Gill returning, Rohit Sharma in the middle, and Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting for opportunities, accommodating Padikkal in the top four looks unlikely. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a specialist opener, is currently filling the No. 4 slot left vacant by Shreyas Iyer.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are expected to be rested ahead of the T20 World Cup. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, also part of the T20 squad, could get another look in ODIs. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is rumored to make a comeback following the Champions Trophy, though it remains uncertain if the selection committee will reintegrate him.

India’s spin department looks well-set with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav providing depth and variety.

The final squad announcement will shed light on whether Pant retains his place and how India balances experience and form ahead of the New Zealand series.