IND vs NZ 2026: ‘It’s unjustifiable after a point’- Priyank Panchal questions Arshdeep Singh’s snub from 1st ODI
Earlier, Arshdeep Singh had an impressive outing against South Africa, picking up five wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 5.50
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Priyank Panchal questioned India’s continued omission of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, and Axar Patel from the ODI setup. The series opener is currently underway at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on January 11.
The selection decisions have already sparked debate, especially after India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa in 2025. For the first ODI against New Zealand, India brought back Mohammed Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill, while also opting to include Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar in the XI.
As a result of these choices, there was no place for Arshdeep in the playing eleven. Panchal openly questioned the logic behind preferring Sundar and Rana over more established players, expressing concern over the repeated exclusion of proven performers from the ODI setup.
"Don’t get me wrong. I like Washi and Harshit as players. Even Prasidh for that matter. Loads of talent. But I don’t see how the likes of Axar, Shami bhai, Arshdeep miss the cut for them. It’s unjustifiable after a point. #INDvNZ," Panchal wrote on X.
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Sundar unlikely to bat in 1st ODI vs New Zealand
Ravichandran Ashwin also took to social media to voice his displeasure over Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion from the playing XI. Arshdeep had an impressive outing against South Africa, picking up five wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 5.50, making his omission a talking point.
Shami, meanwhile, entered the new year as Bengal’s leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, claiming 15 wickets in seven matches. Axar further strengthened his case by scoring his maiden List A century against Andhra. Despite their strong domestic performances, both Shami and Axar were not even included in the squad for the New Zealand ODI series.
India also suffered a setback ahead of the match as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series after sustaining an injury during a net session. Dhruv Jurel, who has been in good form recently, was officially named as Pant’s replacement by the BCCI.
Speaking about the match, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Henry Nicholls scored 62 off 69 deliveries, Devon Conway contributed 56 from 67 balls, and Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 84 off 71 deliveries to anchor the visitors’ innings. For India, pacers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana led the bowling effort, picking up two wickets each.
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