India have announced separate squads for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer set to captain the final two matches and wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra receiving his maiden ODI call-up. Shubman Gill will lead the side in the opening three games, while Iyer will serve as vice-captain during that phase.

The changes give India an opportunity to assess different combinations ahead of the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been retained across the ODI squads, while Tilak Varma joins the group for the fourth and fifth matches.

Shreyas Iyer To Lead India In Final Two ODIs

Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, with Iyer as his deputy. For the final two matches, Iyer takes over the leadership role and Ishan Kishan becomes vice-captain.

The split captaincy arrangement comes as India prepare for a demanding international schedule. It also gives Iyer an opportunity to lead the team in the latter part of the series, subject to his availability and fitness.

India will begin the ODI series in Auckland on November 4, followed by matches in Wellington on November 7 and Hamilton on November 10. The fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled for November 13 and 15 in Mount Maunganui.

Kumar Kushagra Earns Maiden ODI Call-Up

One of the notable developments is the inclusion of Kumar Kushagra in the squad for the final two ODIs. The wicketkeeper-batter has earned his first call-up to India's ODI team, adding another option behind the stumps.

Kushagra's inclusion also means the selectors will have an opportunity to assess him in the national setup alongside Ishan Kishan. KL Rahul is named as wicketkeeper in the squad for the first three matches.

Tilak Varma has also been included for the final two games, while Auqib Nabi and Yash Thakur join the squad for that phase. Their selections provide additional options as India look to evaluate their bench strength.

🚨 News 🚨#TeamIndia’s ODI and Test squads for New Zealand tour announced 📝

Captain Shubman Gill will lead the side for the first 3️⃣ ODIs, before Shreyas Iyer takes charge for the last 2️⃣ matches.

More details ▶️ https://t.co/npwxUYlb1N#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/3ckm7ixgEN

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 16, 2026

Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Retained

Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain part of both squads, underlining their continued involvement in India's ODI plans.

The squads also feature all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. Gurnoor Brar is included in both groups, while Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna feature in the first-three-match squad. Prasidh Krishna's availability for the opening three ODIs is subject to fitness clearance.

India Vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule

The five-match series begins in Auckland on November 4 before moving to Wellington and Hamilton. Mount Maunganui will host the final two games on November 13 and 15.

With Iyer leading the final phase and Kushagra receiving his maiden ODI selection, the New Zealand tour will offer India another opportunity to assess their options and combinations in the build-up to the next ODI World Cup.