🏏 Bumrah, Hardik Rested for NZ ODIs Scoop

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Bumrah, Pandya skip ODIs (Jan 11-18); back for T20Is Jan 21
2🏆 Eyes T20 WC freshness post-packed 2025
3💡 Rotation mirrors 2024 WC-winning strategy
4🔮 ODI squad Jan 4-5; T20Is in Nagpur et al.
5💬 'More important assignments ahead' – Team management

"Before the T20Is, Hardik may feature for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in compliance with the BCCI diktat of mandatory participation in domestic games"

India prioritizes T20 World Cup defence, resting pace ace Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya for three NZ ODIs starting January 11, 2026. Both return for lucrative five-match T20Is from January 21, squad announcement imminent around January 4-5.

Pandya skips ODIs since Champions Trophy, focusing white-ball primacy; Bumrah's workload managed post-busy 2025. Fits India's calendar: ODIs (Baroda, Rajkot, Indore) prelude T20s (Nagpur et al.), eyeing WC freshness.

Strategic Rotation for WC Glory

Bumrah's ODI economy under 5, Pandya's finishing nous vital; rest ensures peak for T20Is. Compare India's 2024 template—rested stars won T20 WC. Stats: Pandya 11 ODI wickets post-2023 at 4.8 economy; absence tests bench like Shami, Axar.