India's ODI campaign against New Zealand is heading towards its final stage with significant changes to the Indian squad. Captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will miss the fourth and fifth matches of the five-game series, creating an opportunity for other players to take responsibility during the concluding fixtures.
Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the remaining two ODIs, while Ishan Kishan has been appointed vice-captain. The changes were part of the selection plan announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the tour.
India's decision to make adjustments comes as the team prepares for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. Gill and Rahul are expected to focus on their red-ball commitments, while the remaining ODI squad will look to maintain India's winning momentum.
The development also gives Iyer another opportunity to demonstrate his leadership abilities at the international level.
Shubman Gill was selected to captain India during the opening three matches of the New Zealand ODI series. His leadership responsibilities for the ODI leg were limited to that initial phase, with Iyer already designated to take over for the final two games.
Gill's absence is connected to India's planning for the upcoming Test series rather than a newly announced injury.
The Indian captain remains an important part of the national team's long-term plans, particularly in the longer format. His batting and leadership will be crucial when India face New Zealand in challenging overseas conditions.
With the ODI schedule nearing completion, the decision gives Gill additional preparation time before the Test assignment.
His departure from the ODI squad marks a planned transition rather than an unexpected change in India's leadership structure.
Another important development is KL Rahul's absence from the final two matches.
Rahul has been an important part of India's limited-overs setup, contributing as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeping option. His experience provides balance to the team, particularly in difficult match situations.
Ishan Kishan is expected to take on the primary wicketkeeping responsibilities in the final two fixtures, with Kumar Kushagra providing another option.
Rahul's absence also allows the selection committee to assess alternative combinations ahead of future international assignments.
With the Test series approaching, India's management will be keen to ensure that players are prepared for the demands of the longer format.
Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the fourth and fifth ODIs against New Zealand.
The middle-order batter was originally selected as Gill's deputy for the opening three matches. His appointment as captain for the final two games was confirmed in the BCCI's original squad announcement.
Iyer has experience leading teams in domestic and franchise competitions. His ability to handle pressure and contribute in important batting situations makes him a valuable member of India's ODI setup.
The upcoming matches will provide another opportunity to evaluate his leadership qualities in international cricket.
Ishan Kishan will serve as vice-captain, giving the wicketkeeper-batter an additional responsibility within the squad.
India will also have experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli available to provide guidance and stability.
India have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
The third match was scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 10. However, persistent rain and an unsuitable outfield prevented the players from taking the field.
Despite waiting for an improvement in conditions, the officials eventually abandoned the match without a ball being bowled.
The washout confirmed India's series victory, leaving the final two fixtures as opportunities to complete the campaign with further positive performances.
The first two matches had given India the advantage, and the team will now look to maintain its form under Iyer's leadership.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will be looking to finish the home series strongly after losing the opening two contests.
The fourth and fifth matches will be played at Mount Maunganui.
| Match | Date | Venue | |---|---|---| | 4th ODI | November 13, 2026 | Mount Maunganui | | 5th ODI | November 15, 2026 | Mount Maunganui |
Both matches will be important opportunities for India's revised squad to establish its combinations.
The coaching staff will also be interested in evaluating players who have received opportunities for the final stage of the tour.
India's squad for the final two matches includes several changes compared with the opening three fixtures.
Tilak Varma, Auqib Nabi, Kumar Kushagra and Yash Thakur are among the players included in the latter-stage squad.
Kumar Kushagra's inclusion provides an additional wicketkeeping option, while Ishan Kishan brings international experience and attacking batting ability.
Tilak Varma adds flexibility to the middle order. His ability to adapt to different batting positions could prove useful as India continue developing their ODI combinations.
The bowling group also features established international performers, including Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav.
These selection decisions provide India with an opportunity to evaluate additional players while retaining a strong core of experienced cricketers.
After the ODI series, India will turn their attention towards the two-match Test assignment against New Zealand.
The first Test begins in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27.
Gill will return to captain the Indian side in the Test series, with KL Rahul named vice-captain.
The red-ball matches will present a different challenge for the Indian team. New Zealand's conditions can offer considerable assistance to fast bowlers, especially when the weather is overcast.
India's batters will need to adjust their techniques and build partnerships against the home bowling attack.
The bowling department will also have an important role in exploiting favourable conditions and putting pressure on New Zealand's batting lineup.
For Gill and Rahul, the preparation period will be valuable as they get ready for another demanding overseas assignment.
The absence of two experienced players creates an opportunity for the remaining squad members to make an impression.
Iyer will be responsible for guiding the team through the final fixtures, while Kishan's vice-captaincy role adds another dimension to the leadership group.
India's ODI planning also extends beyond the current series. The team will continue assessing its batting depth, bowling resources and player combinations as preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup progress.
The final two matches against New Zealand could therefore offer useful information for the selectors and coaching staff.
For Iyer, the immediate objective will be to maintain India's standards and lead the side to a positive finish.
India have already achieved their main objective by securing the ODI series. However, the team will not want to lose focus during the remaining matches.
The fourth ODI on November 13 will be Iyer's first opportunity to lead India in this phase of the series.
New Zealand will be determined to respond after the disappointing result in the opening matches. Playing at home could provide the hosts with an opportunity to challenge India's revised lineup.
The final match on November 15 will then bring the ODI leg of the tour to a close before the teams prepare for Test cricket.
The performances of India's middle order, wicketkeeping options and bowling attack will be closely watched during this period.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will miss India's final two ODIs against New Zealand as the team prepares for the upcoming Test series. Shreyas Iyer will take over the captaincy, with Ishan Kishan appointed vice-captain.
India have already secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead following the abandonment of the third ODI in Hamilton.
The remaining matches will provide Iyer with an opportunity to lead India, while other squad members will look to strengthen their positions in the national setup.
With the Test series approaching, the focus will gradually shift towards Gill's leadership in red-ball cricket and India's preparations for the challenges of playing in New Zealand.
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