Why Pant and Iyer Delay Joining India's ODI Squad for New Zealand Series
The upcoming three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand (IND vs NZ) is set to begin on January 11, with most of the Indian squad already assembled in Baroda. However, two key players, Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, will join the camp a little later due to their commitments in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Commitment to Domestic Tournament
Both Pant and Iyer are currently participating in India's premier 50-over domestic tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The selectors and team management have officially permitted both players to complete their domestic matches before joining the national team.
Rishabh Pant's Consistent Performance
Rishabh Pant's arrival comes as no surprise, given his consistent performance in the competition. He is currently leading Delhi and has scored 212 runs in six matches at an average of 42.4, including two half-centuries. His performances have helped maintain the selectors' confidence in him.
Shreyas Iyer's Return and Fitness
Shreyas Iyer will play Mumbai's final league match against Punjab on January 8 before joining the Indian team setup. After undergoing spleen surgery, Iyer has not played for India since October 2025. Encouragingly, Iyer has looked sharp in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh, scoring 82 off 53 balls.
Implications for North East India and India at Large
The inclusion of Pant and Iyer in the ODI squad is significant for Indian cricket, as they bring valuable experience and talent to the team. Their performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have demonstrated their readiness to contribute to the national team.
Looking Forward
As the India vs New Zealand ODI series approaches, both Pant and Iyer will aim to slot back into the team setup and make a positive impact. With the series set to start on January 11, all eyes will be on how they perform in the limited-overs side.