Article by Suvankar Roy
A storm is brewing in Indian cricket!
Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are noticeably absent from the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. This isn’t due to injury—it’s a calculated masterstroke. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, these two powerhouses are being preserved for the ultimate battle.
The ODI Schedule
- January 11: Baroda
- January 14: Rajkot
- January 18: Indore
The BCCI wants their full strength available for the five-match T20 series across Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Hardik hasn’t featured in an ODI since the Champions Trophy final. While his body has often forced him to pause, his spirit remains unbroken. Following the BCCI’s directive, he is currently gearing up to represent Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Bumrah hasn’t played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup Final. The reason is clear to everyone
- Bumrah is the ultimate insurance for the final over.
- Bumrah remains India’s “Trump Card” for the World Cup
Virat Kohli has already sent a loud message with the bat while playing for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He will make his final domestic appearance on January 6th before heading straight to the Indian dressing room.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s domestic stint has concluded. His focus is now locked solely on the New Zealand series.
The squad sees the return of a healthy Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube stand ready for action.
Uncertainty still looms over Shreyas Iyer. Having recovered from surgery, he is expected to take a fitness test on January 3rd. Whether he secures a spot in the ODI squad remains a mystery
As Indian fans watch this tactical shift from ODIs to T20s, one question remains:
Is this “Big Gamble” the key to India lifting the World Cup once again?