Team India is set to announce its squad for the ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday, January 3, and the biggest takeaway is the return of captain Shubman Gill. After missing the ODI series against South Africa due to injury and being ruled out of the final two matches of the T20 series, Gill is now fully fit and ready to return to competitive cricket.

Before leading India in the ODI series, Gill will sharpen his match fitness by playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Shubman Gill to play these two matches

As per reports, Shubman Gill will represent his home team Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, just like several other Indian internationals. The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand begins on January 11, and ahead of that, Gill is expected to play two consecutive matches in the domestic 50-over tournament.

Punjab’s remaining group-stage fixtures are scheduled for January 3, 6, and 8. Gill will play:

• January 3: Punjab vs Sikkim

• January 6: Punjab vs Goa

He is likely to miss the third match on January 8, as Team India is expected to assemble for the ODI series from January 7. Both matches will be played in Jaipur.

Gill has been recovering from a leg injury sustained during the T20 series and has been training consistently with his family and the Punjab squad over the past few weeks.

Arshdeep Singh also likely to take the field

Along with Gill, Punjab and Team India pacer Arshdeep Singh is also expected to feature in both Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. The left-arm fast bowler is likely to be part of the ODI squad against New Zealand as well.

However, Arshdeep is also involved in India’s T20 plans, including the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand and preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. It remains to be seen whether the selectors choose to rest him from the ODI series or manage his workload carefully.

What this means for Team India

Gill’s return through domestic cricket gives the Indian team a major boost ahead of an important ODI assignment. His leadership, combined with match practice from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, should help him hit the ground running against New Zealand. With Arshdeep Singh also likely to be in action, Punjab’s matches are set to draw significant attention from cricket fans over the coming days.