Shubman Gill Captain to Lead India as Iyer Takes Vice-Captaincy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team as captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on January 11, 2026. Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain, contingent on passing fitness assessments following a spleen injury.
Shubman Gill Captain and Mohammed Siraj Rejoins the Squad
Mohammed Siraj makes his return to the 15-member squad after last representing India during the tour of Australia. In contrast, Hardik Pandya will be rested to manage his workload before the T20 World Cup scheduled for February 7.
Shubman Gill Captain as Player Comebacks and Rested Members Shape Squad
Gill missed the South Africa series due to a neck spasm, while Iyer’s return follows a recovery phase from his injury sustained in Australia. The series will also see the return of other prominent players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are also included as wicketkeeper-batters.
Shubman Gill Captain with Squad Adjustments and Fixture Details Confirmed
Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been replaced in the squad. India’s initial ODI match will be held in Vadodara, followed by encounters in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and January 18, respectively. Ahead of the series, Gill and Iyer are expected to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 6.
Shubman Gill Captain as Preparation for T20 World Cup Intensifies
The BCCI is carefully managing players’ work schedules ahead of the T20 World Cup. They have clarified that Hardik has not yet received clearance from the Centre of Excellence to bowl ten overs per game. The ODI series against New Zealand will serve as crucial preparation for the Indian team as they gear up for the global event.
Shubman Gill Captain Marks a Leadership Milestone in Indian Cricket
Shubman Gill captaincy represents a significant step in India’s leadership transition plan. Having already led India in T20Is, this ODI assignment further reinforces the selectors’ confidence in Gill’s temperament, consistency, and tactical awareness. At just 26, Gill is seen as a long-term leadership option across formats.
His calm presence at the crease and ability to anchor innings while accelerating when required make him well-suited to the responsibilities of a 50-over captain. The New Zealand series provides an ideal platform for Gill to establish his leadership credentials without the pressure of a major tournament final.
Shubman Gill Captain Role Supported by Senior Core
The presence of senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provides Shubman Gill captaincy with valuable on-field support. Their experience in high-pressure situations will allow Gill to focus on decision-making while continuing to develop his own leadership voice.
This blend of youth and experience is central to India’s ODI strategy, especially with an eye on the 2027 World Cup cycle. The leadership group is expected to function collaboratively, ensuring smooth transitions during crucial moments.
Shubman Gill Captain and Shreyas Iyer Leadership Combination
The pairing of Shubman Gill captain and Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain adds balance to the squad. Iyer’s tactical awareness and middle-order stability make him a reliable deputy, particularly in handling bowling changes and field placements.
Shubman Gill Captain Benefiting from Iyer’s Middle-Order Stability
When fit, Iyer’s role becomes critical in absorbing pressure during run chases and rebuilding innings. His return strengthens India’s batting depth and provides Gill with a dependable leader in crunch situations, especially against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
Shubman Gill Captain Focuses on Bench Strength and Depth
One of the key objectives under Shubman Gill captaincy will be assessing bench strength. Players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh will have opportunities to cement their places ahead of future ICC tournaments.
The series also allows India to evaluate bowling combinations, particularly in the absence of Hardik Pandya, while ensuring workload management for frontline players.
Shubman Gill Captain and Bowling Strategy Against New Zealand
With Mohammed Siraj returning and Kuldeep Yadav anchoring the spin department, Gill will need to manage bowling rotations effectively across three venues. Conditions in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore offer varying challenges, making adaptability a key leadership test.
India ODI Squad Announced
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Prasidh Krishna
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
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As the Indian team makes its final preparations, both Gill and Iyer are slated for appearances in Vijay Hazare Trophy matches to demonstrate their fitness. For more updates on the Indian cricket team and upcoming fixtures, visit ESPNcricinfo’s India team page.
