Aakash Chopra, the ex-India opener, has revealed his selection for the first match of the New Zealand series of three ODIs, which is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2026, and will be spread over three days. As per Chopra, Shubman Gill is once again the skipper and opener along with Rohit Sharma, while the name of Sanju Samson is missing from the squad.

Leadership and Key Batsmen

Chopra in a video posted on his Instagram emphasized that Gill is fit, available, and ready for the captain’s role. Virat Kohli who was the Player of the Series against South Africa is projected at No. 3 which means he will add his experience and stability. Ruturaj Gaikwad is assigned the No. 4 position while KL Rahul may play a dual role as a batter and backup wicketkeeper and possibly vice-captain as well. Since Shreyas Iyer is out for the series the batting lineup is formed by giving priority to continuity and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal would be the other option for the reserve opener role and Rishabh Pant would serve as the second wicketkeeper, thus forming the pair of alternative players.

All-Rounders Debate: Axar Patel vs Ravindra Jadeja

Chopra pointed out the dilemma of the selectors in having to take a definitive decision between the two left-hand spinning all-rounders, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, and he also proposed that just one of them should be part of the team. He pointed out that the stability of Patel’s game gives him a leading position for the long run, while the case of Jadeja’s has been inconsistent in the last series.

Middle-Order and Batting Depth

The batting order was made stronger by the support of Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma. Sundar was unable to play in the last match, while Tilak took over his spot, but Chopra pointed out the need for pilots of stability and the importance of involving both players in the battle.

Bowling Attack

The main bowlers selected by Chopra are Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, and he also considers Kuldeep Yadav as a spinnner to be used in a case by case basis, especially in matches that have no dew. Prasidh Krishna provides further support in the pace department which makes the decision of a specialist fast bowler over a bowling all-rounder even more crucial.

“Harshit Rana’s excellent showing in the South African series along with his earlier performance in Sydney count him as an important pick. Siraj and Arshdeep are the ones who bring experience and variety. Yadav will be there if the conditions allow. Krishna adds the depth of being the fastest bowler,” quoted Chopra.

Chopra’s Predicted India Squad for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs

Batsmen & Captains: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul
All-Rounders: Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma
Pacers: Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
Reserves: Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal (backup opener)

Chopra’s squad is formed by a combination of younger and older players and at the same time has the privilege of possessing the best batting and bowling skills, their target being to establish a comfortable lead in the first ODI versus New Zealand.