The Indian cricket team commenced their three-match ODI series against New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara with a significant absence. As the teams took the field, fans and experts quickly noted that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was not part of the Indian playing XI.
Why Hardik Pandya is Not Playing
The primary reason for Pandya's omission is a strategic decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence (CoE). Pandya was not selected in India's ODI squad for this series after the CoE did not clear him to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in a 50-over match. This decision stems from concerns regarding his current workload and overall fitness management.
Although Pandya recently demonstrated his bowling capacity by delivering 10 overs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, the team management and selectors are adopting a cautious approach. The looming T20 World Cup in 2026 is a major factor in this careful planning. The BCCI views Pandya as a crucial asset for India's T20 campaigns and is prioritizing his long-term availability and peak condition for the global tournament.
Team Strategy and Captain's Comments
At the toss, which New Zealand won, opting to bat first, Indian captain Shubman Gill explained the team's thought process. Gill stated, "We will bowl first. Try different combinations, try to see which suits us best, a challenge to bowl under dew. Looks like it will be a bit easier to bat under lights with the dew coming in."
He also mentioned the team's positive environment, noting that players were in good form following the Vijay Hazare matches. Gill confirmed a bowling-heavy lineup, saying, "We're going with 6 bowlers. Sundar, Jadeja and Kuldeep the spinner. Siraj, Prasidh and Harshit the pacers."
India's Playing XI and Looking Ahead
Despite Pandya's absence, India fielded a strong side blending experience and youth. The playing XI featured Rohit Sharma, captain Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, wicket-keeper KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
The decision to rest Hardik Pandya underscores a shift in focus from immediate series outcomes to sustainable player management and long-term championship goals. Instead of rushing him back into the ODI setup, the selectors have chosen to give him adequate rest, ensuring he is fully rehabilitated and ready for the intense demands of international cricket, particularly the T20 World Cup. This series against New Zealand will now serve as a platform for testing other combinations and strategies within the squad.
