India drops Ravindra Jadeja from the first three ODIs against New Zealand, Axar Patel stepping in as the like‑for‑like replacement.
The decision, announced by the BCCI on Friday, comes as Jadeja’s form has slipped over the past months—his last ODI was a July clash with England, and he has yet to score a half‑century in 2023. Patel, who hasn't played an ODI since that game, will be looking to prove he belongs on the World‑Cup radar. Jaiswal is also omitted from both squads, cutting him off from the chance to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel is out, with Ishan Kishan taking his wicket‑keeping spot after a quiet run in the West Indies series.
In the bowlers’ camp, Auqib Nabi’s 84‑run haul without a wicket in the opening West Indies ODI has been replaced by Anshul Kamboj for the first three matches, with the plan to swap back when Kamboj joins the Test squad. The final two ODIs will see Nabi return, along with new faces Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra and Yash Thakur making their debuts. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kamboj, and Prasidh Krishna will leave to focus on the upcoming Test series that starts just four days after the ODIs.
The reshuffle underscores India’s intent to keep the squad fresh while balancing Test preparations, with selectors testing the bench ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Africa. Players like Axar and the new debutants will have to seize the moment, as the selectors are keen to lock in a balanced side for the marquee tournament.
India’s next challenge is a two‑match Test series against New Zealand, followed by the ODI finale.