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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 India ODI squad assembles in Baroda minus four players
- 2🏆 Iyer, Pant, Siraj, Jadeja join after Vijay Hazare duties
- 3💡 Domestic 50-over games keep players match-ready
- 4🔮 Full-strength India expected together by January 9
"Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja - who featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy - will join up with the squad on January 9"
Most of the Team India ODI squad has checked into Baroda ahead of the New Zealand series, with only four big names set to join a little later after domestic duties.
Vijay Hazare duties delay arrival of key India quartet
The Indian camp gathered in Baroda for their first practice session at Kotambi Stadium, preparing for a three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. Almost the full squad was present, barring Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja.
All players were originally expected to report on January 7, but this core group remained committed to their state sides in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, delaying their arrival by a couple of days. They are scheduled to link up with the national squad on January 9.
Iyer has been leading Mumbai, Pant captaining Delhi, Siraj turning out for Hyderabad, and Jadeja featuring for Saurashtra. With the league phase of the VHT wrapping up, their focus now shifts fully to the New Zealand challenge.
For India’s support staff, this staggered arrival is a manageable trade-off: players staying match-sharp in 50-over cricket, even if it means slightly fewer days together as a group.
With the series opener looming, the Men in Blue will have just enough time to bring everyone onto the same tactical page before the first ball is bowled in Baroda.
