Why Axar Patel is Not in India Squad for ODI Series Against New Zealand?

The Indian Cricket team has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11. The return of veteran Indian players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is the most talked-about thing as expected as both of them are among the best batsmen in the world.

But, there were also a lot of discussions around few players getting ignored. Star pacer Mohammed Shami was a hot topic ahead of the squad announcement but he couldn’t make it to the squad. Another star player, who was expected to be included in the squad was, Axar Patel.

Why Axar Patel is Not in India ODI Squad for NZ Series 2026?

India’s star all-rounder Axar Patel wasn’t included in the squad for the NZ ODIs and there could be multiple reasons behind that. The BCCI have instead decided to go with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, ignoring Axar.

While the main reason for Axar Patel absence for ODI series against New Zealand is unknown, it is also being said that he has been given a rest ahead of the upcoming 5-match T20I series against the Kiwis and the much-awaited T20 World Cup, where he will be seen playing as the team’s vice-captain.

Axar Patel replacement for this series is Washington Sundar, just like during the ODI series against South Africa last year. Axar is one of the best all-rounders in the world and his absence can affect India's team combination.

No Bumrah and Hardik in India ODI Squad

India will be playing the IND vs NZ ODI 2026 series without their star players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Despite scoring a magnificent century today in Baroda vs Vidarbha Vijay Hazare Trophy match, Hardik couldn’t find a place in the squad.

“Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match, and considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed, “ BCCI said on Hardik’s exclusion.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who also missed the recently played South Africa ODI series, will miss the NZ ODI series as well. The reason is pretty clear - team management wants Bumrah to be fully fit for the T20 World Cup, that’s why he has been seen playing only in the T20I format for a while now.

India ODI Squad for NZ series

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal