3 reasons why India must not pick Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs

India are set to host New Zealand for a multi-format white-ball tour in January 2026. The teams will play a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is. The tour will begin on January 11 and conclude on January 31.

New Zealand announced their squads for the ODIs and T20Is, while India are yet to name their squads. The Men in Blue will come on the back of a 2-1 victory in their recent ODI series against South Africa at home. They also won the T20I series 3-1.

Meanwhile, New Zealand beat the West Indies at home in their recent ODI and T20I series. Notably, these five T20Is will be crucial for both teams as it will be their final preparation ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup beginning in February.

That said, let us take a look at three reasons why India must not pick senior players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah for the ODIs against New Zealand.

#3 Opportunity for India to test other talents in ODIs

New Zealand are not playing their full-strength squad for the ODI series against India. Some of the big names and regulars are missing from the team. Their squad includes Michael Bracewell (C), Devon Conway, Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Will Young, and Michael Rae.

As the Kiwis are not playing their main squad with many names missing, it will be a good opportunity for India as well to rest some of their key players like Hardik and Bumrah. It could serve as the perfect ground to test and give opportunities to youngsters and future stars at the international level. It will also help the Men in Blue identify and groom replacements for senior players.

#2 Important for Hardik and Bumrah to remain fit for the 2026 T20 World Cup

The 2026 T20 World Cup will begin in February 2026, soon after the New Zealand series. India will play a total of eight matches against the Kiwis before the marquee tournament. Therefore, it will be important for two of the most important players - Hardik and Bumrah to remain fit heading into the T20 World Cup.

The Men in Blue can afford to rest these two, given that New Zealand are not fielding a full-strength ODI squad. The ODIs will be played first, followed by the five T20Is. Therefore, the hosts would want Hardik and Bumrah not to play all eight games to avoid last-minute injuries and fitness concerns.

Notably, the two senior stars may not even feature in all five T20Is and could be used wisely and judiciously to remain fit for the marquee event.

#3 Workload management and trend of prioritising T20Is in recent times

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned from an injury that he picked up in the final stages of the Asia Cup 2025. He was rested for the ODIs against South Africa and only returned for the T20Is after having regained complete fitness.

Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah also missed the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury, as India replaced him with Harshit Rana. He played only three out of the five Tests in England as well. Bumrah was also rested for the South Africa ODIs.

The workload management of both these players, who have had injuries in 2025, will be extremely important. A trend and a cautious approach from the Men in Blue to protect these match-winners for the 2026 T20 World Cup has also been seen, with Bumrah playing in the shorter format, be it the Asia Cup or the South Africa T20Is.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Rishab Vm