New Zealand Cricket has announced two separate squads for the coming white-ball tour of India, scheduled for January 2026. The Black Caps will be playing a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20 International series. The squads show a clear concern for workload, injuries, and preparations for the impending ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The ODI series will begin on January 11, whereas the matches of the T20 Internationals will commence on January 21. The T20I leg is especially important, as it will be New Zealand’s final series before the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.

Several big names are missing from parts of the tour, which has drawn attention. New Zealand Cricket has made it clear that player workload, injuries, and availability have all played a role in shaping the squads for the India series.

Kane Williamson Misses ODIs, Bracewell to Lead

For the ODI series, regular captain Mitchell Santner has been rested, and all-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the side. Senior players Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, Mark Chapman, and Rachin Ravindra are either rested or unavailable. Williamson’s absence is the biggest talking point, with New Zealand Cricket confirming he will miss the series due to his SA20 commitments after signing with Durban Super Giants as a replacement player.

Injuries have also affected selection plans. Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, and Mark Chapman are continuing rehabilitation, while Ben Sears is still recovering after his time in Melbourne. However, despite all these Injury setbacks, some experienced players, such as Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Will Young, have retained their spots in the ODI team.

A major positive for the team is the presence of Jayden Lennox, who has deservedly earned his first international selection. The batter has been rewarded for strong domestic performances. Head coach Rob Walter said Lennox has been monitored for some time, pointing to his New Zealand A displays and consistent white-ball form. For the T20Is, Santner returns as captain, leading a strong squad that includes Devon Conway, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

New Zealand ODI Squad for India Tour 2026

Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, and Will Young.

New Zealand T20I Squad for India Tour 2026

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, and Ish Sodhi.

Team India players who took part in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, have been fined 10% of their match fees. The ICC imposed the penalty after India failed to maintain the required over-rate during the match. Since the team finished two overs short, the slow over-rate ruling was automatically applied.

The Indians accepted the sanction without dispute, as KL Rahul pleaded guilty right away. This meant that the process ended quickly, with no requirement for a formal hearing. The ICC stated in its release, "Rahul pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Rod Tucker and Rohan Pandit, third umpire Sam Nogajski and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal leveled the charge."

According to Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for players and support staff, teams are fined 5% of their match fee for every over they fall short. As India were two overs behind, each player was fined 10 percent of their match fee.

India Fall Short in Raipur Thriller as South Africa Clinches Victory

The Raipur ODI turned into a high-scoring nail-biter, with South Africa chasing down a huge 359-run target in the final over. A brilliant century by Aiden Markram guided the chase, and left the Indian bowlers struggling in wet and dewy conditions.

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KL Rahul explained the challenges after the game, saying, "Not really a [tough one to swallow] given how much dew there is and how difficult it is to bowl in the second innings. Thought we did well in the last game. Today the umpires were nice to change the ball. Toss plays a big role so I'm kicking myself (laughs). There is always things we could have done better. With the bat, I know that 350 looks good, but that has been the chat in the dressing room even after the last game about how we can get the extra 20-25 runs to give bowlers a cushion with the wet ball."

Virat Kohli made a strong comeback by scoring his 84th international century in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. It was also his 53rd ODI hundred, the most by any player in the format. After scoring a match-winning century in the first ODI at Ranchi, Kohli continued his great form with a brilliant 90-ball ton that included seven fours and two sixes.

India batted first on a friendly batting pitch. Young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad supported Kohli with an amazing knock, scoring his first ODI century in just his eighth match. Together, the duo built a powerful 195-run partnership for the third wicket and completely dominated the South African bowlers.

Shortly after Gaikwad was dismissed for 105, Kohli reached his landmark ton in the very next over, sending the crowd into celebration once again. Back home, a special supporter of Virat Kohli also erupted in joy. His wife, Anushka Sharma, shared an Instagram story to celebrate Kohli and dropped a cute, red heart.

Anushka Sharma’s Heartwarming Reaction to Kohli’s Record Ton

Anushka, who is in London with the couple’s two kids, enjoyed the action from the comfort of her home. Meanwhile, Kohli’s knock had a nostalgic touch to it. During his peak between 2016 and 2018, such performances had become a regular feature, and this latest achievement only adds to his legendary status.

Anushka Sharma’s Instagram story for Virat Kohli. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Jk1ZJQ698s

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 3, 2025

See Also: Twitter Reactions: KL Rahul smashes 33-ball fifty during IND vs SA 2nd ODI in Raipur

Virat Kohli also extended his lead over Sachin Tendulkar in terms of ODI centuries, moving four centuries ahead of the Master Blaster. His 84 international hundreds now place him second on the all-time list, only behind Tendulkar’s 100. Among active players, he is far ahead of the next best, Joe Root, who has 58 centuries. Meanwhile, Kohli (102) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105) powered India to 358/5 with their 195-run stand, as South African bowlers struggled throughout the innings.

In the first game of the three-match home ODI series against South Africa, KL Rahul returned to the ODI captaincy of the Indian men's national cricket team in the absence of regular skipper Shubman Gill, but India's poor toss luck continues. 

IND vs SA, 1st ODI: India lost the toss 19th consecutive time in ODIs

Ranchi is hosting the ODI series opener on Sunday (November 30), where the Indian captain KL Rahul lost the toss, as it was the 19th consecutive ODI toss loss for India, starting from the Final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. 

It is comfortably the record for the most consecutive toss losses for a team in ODI history. The previous record holder was the Netherlands with 11 consecutive toss losses in this format.

See Also: Why is Shubman Gill not playing today in IND vs SA 1st ODI at Ranchi?

Twitter Reactions

INDIA HAVE LOST 19 CONSECUTIVE TOSSES IN ODI CRICKET. 🤯

- The probability of this happening is 1 in 524,288 or 0.00019%. pic.twitter.com/KQgsyyrgqZ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 30, 2025

India have now lost the toss in 19 consecutive ODIs - a run that started with the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad 🤯

12 games led by Rohit
4 games led by KL
3 games led by Gill

Ek tha jo toss haarne pe panoti ghoshit kardiya jata tha 🫣 pic.twitter.com/09hZXrMB8Q

— Aakash (@AakashCric) November 30, 2025

lost toss again
the probability is 0.00019% 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ZJBqnhMi8E

— Shane⁷⸆⸉🍉 (@shane_oppa) November 30, 2025

Lost the toss again pic.twitter.com/V1rAYAIS2e

— Pikachu⁷ (@Varshu_875) November 30, 2025

India have now lost the toss in 19 consecutive ODIs - a run that started with the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad 🤯 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/xAno5YOVak

— Infosphere (@Rinku48644679) November 30, 2025

My reaction to Team India’s toss luck🥺

Continues 19th loss 🧐#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/7C5EJuLKi9

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) November 30, 2025

They need sholay coin for won the toss, consecutive 19 toss they lost.

— Toxic Voice ⚡ (@singh4123) November 30, 2025

India are preparing for an important white-ball assignment in South Africa, but the biggest concern for the selectors right now is Shubman Gill’s fitness. The young opener, who also took over India’s ODI captaincy earlier this year, is expected to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series due to a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test. While Gill is unavailable for the second Test in Guwahati, reports suggest he will also sit out of the ODIs starting November 30 in Ranchi.

Selectors Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh and Devajit Saikia are set to meet in Guwahati for discussions before officially naming the squads for both ODIs and T20Is. The meeting takes place in the middle of the Test series, and several factors are complicating decisions, including ongoing injury concerns for multiple senior players. Hardik Pandya is still recovering, Shreyas Iyer is ruled out until March due to a spleen laceration, and now Gill’s continued absence has made the captaincy slot vacant.

Rahul, Pant or Axar? India weigh leadership choices for South Africa ODIs

According to BCCI sources quoted in PTI and Times of India reports, Gill has been advised additional rest by medical specialists and will not be rushed back. The board, however, remains optimistic that he will return for the five-match T20I series that follows.

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With Gill sidelined, three names have emerged as the frontrunners to lead India in the ODIs: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel. Rahul has prior leadership experience in the format and remains a stable middle-order option. Pant, who is already captaining the Test team in Gill’s absence in Guwahati, could continue his leadership in white-ball cricket as well. Meanwhile, Axar Patel’s steady rise as a multi-format contributor has seen him enter the captaincy conversation too.

Veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the ODIs, adding much-needed experience to the squad. In terms of replacements for Gill, options like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad could come into play, depending on team balance and combinations.

The focus now shifts to the selectors’ upcoming announcement, which will reveal how India plan to tackle the challenge of a South African tour without several key players, and who steps up to take charge.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje is all set to don South Africa colours again as he has been named in the T20I squad for the upcoming tour of India. The Proteas speedster last featured for his nation in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, before a recurring stress-fracture injury forced him to the sidelines. His recent performances for Dolphins in the ongoing T20 Challenge – where he has already climbed into the top 10 wicket-takers – have convinced selectors that he is ready for international action again.

The tour begins after the conclusion of the current Test series in India, where South Africa have already taken a 1-0 lead following their victory in Kolkata. The ODI series will act as a bridge between Tests and T20Is, providing crucial game time to several players who are in early contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Proteas finalize white-ball blueprint ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Temba Bavuma returns to captain the ODI side after missing the Pakistan series due to injury. The selectors have opted for continuity, retaining debutant Rubin Hermann while leaving out Tristan Stubbs from the 50-over squad. Lhuan-dre Pretorius also misses out, with the top-order already stacked with options.

In the T20I squad, Aiden Markram takes over captaincy and will have a strong group around him as South Africa look to identify the right combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Quinton de Kock is back and eager to regain T20I form despite a mixed run since his comeback. Reeza Hendricks also returns, which means Ryan Rickelton will have to wait to know his World Cup fate.

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Meanwhile, David Miller’s inclusion strengthens the middle-order, and Dewald Brevis is set for more opportunities after recovering from a minor muscle injury.

South Africa believe this tour will be a significant step in solidifying their white-ball roadmap under head coach Shukri Conrad, who emphasized the importance of building depth and role clarity across both formats.

South Africa squads for India tour

ODIs: Temba Bavuma (C), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.

T20Is: Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.

While the Indian men’s national cricket team is busy getting ready for the crucial second and final Test of the home series against South Africa, the national selection committee is busy setting the ODI squad against South Africa. There are some reports on the availability of the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and the right-arm fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30. 

Watch: Ruturaj Gaikwad's elegant cover drive during IND A vs SA A ODI match

Hardik Pandya is recovering well

During the Asia Cup T20 2025, Hardik Pandya sustained a quadriceps injury, as the all-rounder missed out on the Final against Pakistan. He is recovering but yet to prove his match fitness. The selectors and team management aren't rushing on him, as they are looking for him in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is less than three months away from beginning. So, Hardik is unlikely to be available for the selection for the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa. 

A BCCI source told PTI, "Hardik is recovering well from his quadriceps injury at the moment. He is at the Centre of Excellence doing his RTP (Return To Play) routines. As of now, returning from quadriceps injury, he needs to build up his workload and straightaway playing 50 overs will be risky. Till the T20 World Cup, the BCCI medical team and Hardik would focus on T20Is."

While the five-match T20I series against South Africa will start on December 9, Hardik is likely to get match practice to prove his fitness in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, which will begin on November 26.  

Jasprit Bumrah may miss ODI series vs South Africa

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is always in the talk for workload management, as he is one of the most important pacers for the Men in Blues. As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is very near, his workload management is a priority for the team management. Bumrah is also unlikely to be part of the ODI squad for the forthcoming home ODI series against South Africa.

Pakistan star Babar Azam once again disappointed his fans with his batting performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, but he grabbed a stunning catch to bring a crucial wicket for Pakistan.

Pakistan set a 300-run target for Sri Lanka in the first game of the three-match home ODI series. Babar Azam scored 29 runs in the first innings of the match, where Pakistan scored 299/5 in 50 overs, as Wanindu Hasaranga bowled him. 

Sri Lanka got solid start before top-order collapse

Chasing down the challenging target, Sri Lankan openers provided a great start with an 85-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and the ODI debutant Kamil Mishara. However, the fast bowler Haris Rauf then brought the hosts back in the game with three quick wickets, as the visitors suddenly found themselves from 85/0 to 903. But then Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama controlled the situation with a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

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Babar Azam's stunning catch dismissed set Sadeera Samarawickrama

While Pakistan needed another wicket to control the game, Haris Rauf once again provided a breakthrough; however, the complete credit goes to the former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. It was a length ball outside off, while Samarawickrama had a thick outside edge that flew to the slip. Babar was at the first slip, but he had to go for a full dive as his one-hander attempt was successful to bring a crucial wicket for the hosts. Samarawickrama was dismissed for 39 off 48 balls, while Rauf picked his fourth wicket for the night, while Babar put a special mark, as that catch was one of the greatest catches in international cricket this year. 

🚨 Catch of the Year from - Babar Azam ❤️

pic.twitter.com/cGmrDXZWSl

— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) November 11, 2025

That wicket put Pakistan in control of the game, while the visitors Sri Lanka suddenly found themselves under pressure in the big ODI chase.

In the dead rubber game of the three-match ODI series against the hosts Australia at Sydney on Saturday (October 25), India claimed a dominant win, as they beat the hosts by nine wickets with 69 balls remaining after successfully chasing the 237-run target in below 40 overs. 

Already securing the series by 2-0, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh chose to bat first at Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia were bowled out for 236 runs in 46.4 overs, while India chased down the target in 38.3 overs after losing only one wicket. 

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India recorded largest ODI win against the hosts Australia 

While India won by nine wickets, it was their largest ODI win (by wickets) against Australia in Australia. India's previous record was winning by eight wickets, which happened twice in 1985 and 1986. Meanwhile, it was also India's joint-largest ODI win in Australia, while they previously beat the UAE by nine wickets during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. 

India recorded fastest 220+ ODI chase vs Australia

While India chased the target in 38.3 overs, it was India's fastest 220-run chase in the ODI against Australia, as India won the match by 69 balls remaining at the end of the match. Their previous fastest record was successfully chasing the 251-run target in 41 overs during the 1986 Jaipur ODI. Meanwhile, their previous record of most balls remaining at the end of the match was 43 balls remaining when India successfully chased the 243-run target in 42.5 overs during the 2017 Nagpur ODI. 

AUS vs IND, 3rd ODI: Harshit Rana dominated with ball

The top six Aussie batters got starts, but most of them failed to capitalise on their starts. While Matt Renshaw scored 56 runs off 58 balls, opener and captain Mitchell Marsh scored 41 off 50 balls. Matthew Short was the only other batter in that innings to reach the 30-run mark by scoring 30 runs. 

All six Indian bowlers managed to pick up wickets, while Harshit Rana enjoyed the best bowling figures in his ODI career by recording 8.4-0-39-4. 

AUS vs IND, 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli brought big relief with big knocks

In reply, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and the skipper Shubman Gill set a 69-run partnership for the first wicket. After Gill was dismissed for 24 runs, Rohit and Virat Kohli set up a giant partnership of 168 runs for the unbroken second wicket, as the visitors claimed a comfortable win to avoid the series whitewash. Rohit scored his 33rd ODI century and 50th international hundred by reaching the three-figure mark in 105 balls. Rohit scored 121 off 125 balls with 13 fours and three sixes, while Kohli finally opened his account in the series and scored 74 not out off 81 balls with seven fours.

India opener Rohit Sharma faced an unusual challenge with the bat in the ongoing second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, drawing a candid remark from 2007 T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan. Australia, after winning the toss, chose to field first in the three-match series, putting India into bat.

Rohit, making his return to international cricket after 220 days, had a slow start against the Australian pacers. He struggled to score freely early on, surviving the probing spell from Josh Hazlewood, and was on 14 off 40 balls at one stage. His cautious approach reflected the pressure of coming back after a long break and recovering from a low score of 8 runs in the series opener.

The veteran batsman, however, gradually got into his rhythm. He hit two sixes off Mitchell Owen in the 19th over and reached a half-century off 74 balls, showcasing his experience and temperament. Irfan Pathan took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight Rohit’s rare struggle against the white-ball: "Never seen Rohit Sharma get beaten or struggle so much, but this half-century should give him much-needed confidence."

Never seen Rohit sharma got beaten or struggled so much but this half century should give him much needed confidence.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2025

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Rohit Sharma’s Crucial Partnership and Struggle Highlight India’s Fightback

Rohit’s innings was pivotal as he shared a 118-run partnership with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer for the third wicket, stabilizing India’s innings after early setbacks. Yet, he couldn’t convert his start into a bigger score. Mitchell Starc broke through in the 30th over, dismissing Rohit with a short-pitched delivery. Rohit attempted a pull shot but was caught by Hazlewood at long leg, finishing on 73 runs off 97 balls, with two sixes and seven fours.

At that point, India were 143/3 after 31 overs, with Shreyas Iyer unbeaten on 56 off 72 balls and Axar Patel on 2 off 4 balls. With the series currently at 0-1 in favor of Australia, the second ODI has become crucial for India.

Despite his struggles, Rohit’s innings offered confidence for the remainder of the series, proving that even the most accomplished batsmen sometimes need time to find their rhythm. His performance will be key as India aims to bounce back in the series decider.