Rachin Ravindra returns as New Zealand names ODI squad for India series

New Zealand have named their squad for the five-match ODI series against India, with Mitchell Santner confirmed as captain. The series opens on November 4, 2026, and forms part of a broader tour that includes five T20Is from October 22 and a two-match Test series beginning November 19 in Wellington.

A significant selection is Rachin Ravindra, who returns to the ODI setup after missing the T20I leg of this tour. Ravindra was ruled out of those matches following an injury sustained during a promotional advertisement shoot, and his availability for the ODIs is a welcome boost for New Zealand.

New Zealand arrive at this series with recent history in their favour. They won the ODI series against India 2-1 in January 2026, which was their first bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil.

Why have New Zealand named two separate squads for the five ODIs?

New Zealand have split their selection across the series because several senior players must leave after the third ODI to prepare for the two-match Test series beginning November 19 in Wellington. Ravindra, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Nathan Smith are all available for the first three matches but will not continue into the final two.

For the fourth and fifth ODIs, New Zealand will field a different group. Finn Allen returns to the ODI squad in this leg, as does Lockie Ferguson, both of whom have been absent since 2023. Mitch Hay and Tim Seifert are named as wicketkeepers for those two matches, with Latham keeping in the first three games.

What does this series mean for New Zealand's wider cricket calendar?

The five-match ODI series carries significance beyond the bilateral contest. New Zealand coach Rob Walter and the team management are expected to treat these matches as preparation for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled for 2027. The squad composition across both legs reflects a desire to assess a wider pool of players ahead of that tournament.

"First and foremost, this is a huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side. With the ODI World Cup just one year away, it’s important for us to also view these matches as valuable preparation for that event," Walter said, as quoted by the Indian Express.

The split-squad approach also allows New Zealand to manage workloads carefully. Players who feature in all five ODIs from the second group will gain valuable international exposure, while the Test-bound senior players can arrive in Wellington with adequate preparation time. The tour represents one of the most demanding schedules New Zealand have faced in a single home summer.

New Zealand full squad for India ODI series 2026

ODIs 1-3: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

ODIs 4-5: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Mitch Hay (wk), Tim Seifert (wk), Nick Kelly, Blair Tickner, Will Young.