Full List Of Changes In India Squad For 4th, 5th ODI vs New Zealand

Mayank

Changes in India's squad for the 4th and 5th ODIs vs NZ [Source: AFP]

India's Test specialists are set to leave the ODI squads ahead of the final two ODI matches against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. Some players who are with the ODI squad will join the Test team to prepare for the opening Test, commencing on November 19 in Wellington.

So far, India have taken a lead of 2-0 in the series, eyeing to clinch the trophy in the upcoming games.

The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned after the toss, extending India's wait to win the series, while ending the Blackcaps' chances to clinch the series. With a new squad to appear in the 4th and 5th ODI, here's a look at the changes in India's squad for the remainder of the series.

1. Shreyas Iyer to replace Shubman Gill as captain

Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian team and potentially lead them to a series win. Having performed well in the second ODI run-chase in Wellington, Iyer will become the 29th ODI captain of the Men in Blue.

Iyer could have led the team during last year's South Africa ODIs after Shubman Gill's neck injury, but the vice-captain himself was injured after an awkward fall while fielding in Sydney.

2. Ishan Kishan as Iyer's deputy

With regular vice-captain Shreyas Iyer to take charge of the team for the final two games, Ishan Kishan will be the stand-in vice-captain for these matches. Kishan, who returned to the Indian team earlier in 2026, has been on the rise and has been included in the leadership group.

Previously, Kishan has captained Sunrisers Hyderabad, East Zone and Jharkhand, exhibiting his leadership skills. After 32 ODIs, Kishan has 1107 runs, averaging 42.57 at a strike rate of 107.05 and also has a double-century to his name. He will also be the designated wicketkeeper, replacing KL Rahul. We could see him opening the batting in Gill's absence.

Ishan Kishan Shatters Suryakumar Yadav’s Record For Most Runs In A Calendar Year

3. Kumar Kushagra replaces KL Rahul

Leapfrogging several other senior wicketkeepers in India's current setup, Kumar Kushagra made his way into the ODI squad after his promising performances in domestic cricket and India A matches. Kushagra will be Kishan's understudy, but has impressive numbers after 40 List A matches, scoring 1387 runs at 51.37, striking at 94.41 with two centuries.

KL Rahul, who also played an unofficial Test before the ODIs, will continue the Test preparations as opener and vice-captain of the team. He will be instrumental to India's chances in the Test series.

4. Tilak Varma joins as finisher

Tilak Varma has played five ODIs for India between 2023 and 2025, but did not manage to cement his place in the squad. With Iyer and Kishan getting promotion in their roles, while already being a part of the squad, a batter's spot has opened up in the 15-member squad.

Considering Varma is a designated finisher in T20Is, he could come into the XI over Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace KL Rahul at 5 or 6. Gaikwad is more of a number 3 or 4 option — both spots taken at the moment.

5. Yash Thakur comes in for Anshul Kamboj

Anshul Kamboj had an impressive start to the ODI series, with 2/22 and 2/25 in the first and second ODI, respectively. Before joining the Test squad, Kamboj had a brilliant economy rate of just 2.61 runs per over after 18 overs, exploiting the bowler-friendly conditions.

Yash Thakur will be in line for a potential ODI debut following a brilliant Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26. As Vidarbha lifted the title, he finished with 19 wickets in 9 matches, with a match-winning spell against Karnataka in the final. He has 97 List A scalps in 60 games, striking at under 30.

In 3 T20I innings so far, he has picked 5 wickets. Mohammed Siraj would be ahead in the pecking order, but as part of the Test squad, Siraj could also get additional rest for the series.

India's squad for 4th and 5th ODI vs New Zealand:

Shreyas Iyer (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (c) (wk), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav.