India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are set to be rested for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The decision, driven by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prioritizes their availability and fitness for more critical assignments, particularly the 2026 T20 World Cup. Both players have not featured in ODIs for an extended period—Bumrah since the 2023 World Cup final and Pandya since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025—reflecting the management's long-term strategy of workload management for key players in the white-ball format.

In contrast, Bumrah and Pandya are expected to feature prominently in the preceding five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which serves as India's final preparatory assignment before the T20 World Cup. Playing all five T20Is will allow the duo to regain match rhythm, fine-tune combinations, and build confidence in the shortest format ahead of the global event. The approach underscores the BCCI's clear prioritization of T20 cricket in the immediate future, even as the ODI format takes a backseat for these premier fast-bowling all-rounders amid a packed international calendar.

Meanwhile, attention is also on the potential return of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who has been recovering from a serious spleen injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in October 2025. Iyer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru since December 25 and recently resumed light gym work, followed by batting sessions at the Cricket Club of India nets in Mumbai. Mumbai Cricket Association Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar confirmed that discussions are underway regarding Iyer's availability for Mumbai's remaining Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on January 3 and 6.

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If cleared by medical staff at the CoE, Iyer could make his competitive return in domestic cricket before the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, convene in the first week of January to pick the ODI squad. A successful comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy would significantly strengthen India's middle-order options for the New Zealand ODIs, starting January 11 in Vadodara, followed by games in Rajkot (January 14) and Indore (January 18). Iyer's inclusion would be a timely boost as the team begins long-term planning toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The contrasting roles assigned to Bumrah, Pandya, and Iyer highlight the BCCI's rotational policy and focus on preserving peak performers for high-stakes tournaments. While the T20I series offers an opportunity to test combinations, the ODIs provide a window for emerging and returning players to stake their claim. Fans await the official squad announcements as India balances immediate preparation with future ambitions across formats.

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