Key points
- India lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 after winning the first two matches; the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball bowled because of rain on November 10.
- Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are not included in India's announced squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs, with both named in the Test squad for the New Zealand series.
- Shreyas Iyer is named captain for India's final two ODIs, while Ishan Kishan is vice-captain and wicketkeeper in the squad.
- Former India batter Ambati Rayudu backed Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad as options for the remaining matches, according to The Times of India.
- Dinesh Karthik discussed the question of who could replace Anshul Kamboj in the XI as India reshapes its combination.
- The fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled for November 13 and 15 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui; the first Test begins in Wellington on November 19.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are set to sit out India's final two one-day internationals against New Zealand as the team shifts its attention towards the upcoming Test series. The change leaves Shreyas Iyer to lead the side for the last two matches, with Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad among the batting options discussed by former India players Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik.
India head into the final leg with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The third ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton was abandoned because of rain on November 10, leaving the visitors unable to lose the series and New Zealand unable to win it. The final two matches are scheduled for November 13 and 15 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Gill and Rahul move towards Test preparations
The BCCI had announced separate squads for the first three and final two ODIs on October 16. Gill, who captained India in the opening three matches, and Rahul, the first-choice wicketkeeper in that group, were named in the Test squad but left out of the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs.
The Test series begins in Wellington on November 19, with the second match scheduled for Christchurch from November 27. Gill is listed as Test captain and Rahul as vice-captain. Their absence from the final ODI squad is part of the planned transition between the white-ball and red-ball legs of the tour.
Shreyas Iyer has been named captain for the final two ODIs, while Ishan Kishan is vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The revised squad also includes Tilak Varma, Auqib Nabi, Kumar Kushagra and Yash Thakur, who were not part of the initial group for the first three matches.
Rayudu backs Kishan and Gaikwad as options
With changes to the batting group, attention has turned to how India could arrange its top and middle order. The Times of India report says former India batter Ambati Rayudu backed Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad as options for the remaining games.
Kishan is already part of the revised squad and has been named vice-captain. Gaikwad is also retained in the group for the final two ODIs. Their selection in the match-day XI, however, will depend on the team management's combination and conditions at Mount Maunganui.
The debate is about more than replacing two senior players. India have an opportunity to give opportunities to members of the wider squad while maintaining a settled structure around Iyer, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The final combination will also need to balance batting depth with the bowling resources available in the revised squad.
Karthik raises the question around the bowling combination
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik also discussed possible changes, with the report highlighting the question of who could replace Anshul Kamboj. Kamboj is included in India's Test squad, but is not listed in the BCCI's squad for the final two ODIs.
The revised ODI group includes Auqib Nabi and Yash Thakur among the seam-bowling options, alongside Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar. The selectors have also retained Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel as spin options. Which bowlers take the field will depend on the balance India want for the conditions at Bay Oval.
The BCCI's squad announcement confirms the personnel available for the final two matches, but the playing XI remains a matter for the captain and team management. Rayudu's and Karthik's comments are predictions and discussion, not an official team announcement.
India hold the series advantage after Hamilton washout
India won the opening ODI in Auckland by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after New Zealand made 185. The visitors then edged a rain-affected second match in Wellington by four runs under DLS, defending a revised target in a close finish.
The third match in Hamilton was delayed by rain and a wet outfield. Although the toss eventually took place and the contest was reduced to 40 overs per side, further rain prevented play from starting. The umpires abandoned the match after inspections, leaving India 2-0 ahead with two fixtures remaining.
Reuters reported that the washout also ended New Zealand's run of 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series victories at home, a streak that began in 2019. The final two matches now offer New Zealand a chance to avoid a series defeat, while India can use the fixtures to test its depth before the Test series.
Final ODIs offer selection opportunities before the Tests
The fourth ODI is scheduled for Friday, November 13, and the fifth for Sunday, November 15, both at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The first Test is due to begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19.
With Gill and Rahul moving towards red-ball preparation and Iyer taking over the captaincy, the final matches will provide a first look at India's revised ODI combination. The selectors have named the squad; the choices made on match days will show how the team management intends to use the remaining opportunities on the tour.
Frequently asked questions
Why will Shubman Gill and KL Rahul miss India's final two ODIs against New Zealand?
Gill and Rahul are not part of India's announced squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs and are included in the Test squad for the New Zealand series. The change allows the Test group to prepare for the two-match series, which begins in Wellington on November 19.
Who will captain India in the final two ODIs against New Zealand?
Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of India for the fourth and fifth ODIs. Ishan Kishan is listed as vice-captain and wicketkeeper in the squad announced by the BCCI on October 16, 2026.
What is India's position in the ODI series after the third match?
India lead the five-match series 2-0. They won the first ODI in Auckland by five wickets under the DLS method and the second in Wellington by four runs, also under DLS. The third match in Hamilton on November 10 was abandoned because of rain.
Which players did Ambati Rayudu back for the remaining ODIs?
The Times of India report says former India batter Ambati Rayudu backed Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad as options for India's remaining matches. Their inclusion in the final playing XI remains a selection decision and should not be treated as confirmed until the teams are announced.
When are the final two India vs New Zealand ODIs and the first Test?
The fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled for November 13 and 15 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. India's two-Test series against New Zealand begins on November 19 in Wellington, according to the BCCI's published tour schedule.