Team India named their 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday, January 3, with the selection throwing up few surprises ahead of the opening game on Sunday, January 11. While the squad itself appears fairly straightforward, settling on a playing XI could prove more challenging given the team combination.
The Men in Blue have included five seam-bowling options — Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Based on current indications, the hierarchy among the pacers is expected to remain unchanged, which could make it difficult for Prasidh to break into the starting XI.
However, India should consider taking a bold approach by not only handing the right-arm pacer a place in the opening match but also persisting with him across all three ODIs. While the idea may seem unexpected, there are compelling reasons for Team India to back Prasidh as a regular in the playing XI against New Zealand.
Here are 3 reasons India must back Prasidh Krishna for all three IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs:
#1 The Low Profile Of The Series And Prasidh Krishna’s Quest For Consistency
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, the ODI series against New Zealand carries limited standalone importance in the broader scheme. That said, it presents a valuable opportunity for younger players to gain meaningful game time, which can only come through a sustained run in the side.
Among the frontline pacers, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh have been consistent members of India’s T20I setup, making them established options in the white-ball squads. Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, brings experience with nearly 50 ODIs since becoming a regular in 2022.
Prasidh Krishna, however, is still seeking continuity, and the New Zealand series offers an ideal chance for him to feature in all three matches. The 29-year-old struggled in the South Africa ODIs, but consistent play against New Zealand could help him regain rhythm in the 50-over format.
#2 Prasidh Krishna Is A Rare Breed Among Indian Pacers
While India’s fast-bowling resources have expanded significantly, very few can match what Prasidh Krishna brings to the table. Unlike most Indian pacers, he has a knack for striking breakthroughs with the old ball, particularly in the middle overs. Prasidh also commands a lethal yorker and a sharp short ball, both crucial weapons in the latter stages of an ODI innings.
Most other Indian pacers, except the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, struggle to excel in specific phases, making Prasidh a standout talent among his peers. His all-round skill set makes him a constant wicket-taking threat in the 50-over format, and India must utilize him consistently to help him develop rhythm and reliability.
A perfect way to do this would be to play him in all matches of the New Zealand series, giving him six consecutive ODIs including the three against South Africa. His performance in the final game against the Proteas demonstrated his potential, as he claimed four crucial wickets in the middle overs, turning the game decisively in India’s favor.
#3 Prasidh Krishna Featuring In All Three ODIs Bridges The Next Two World Cups
Prasidh Krishna playing all three ODIs against New Zealand ties into India’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup. While other pacers may miss games due to workload—like Siraj, who’s had a heavy schedule—Krishna’s presence ensures balance in the squad.
Harshit and Arshdeep are central to India’s T20 World Cup plans and the preceding T20I series against New Zealand, so they are unlikely to play all three ODIs, making Prasidh the natural choice to feature throughout. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Prasidh’s back-of-the-length pace and bounce could thrive on those pitches.
To prepare him for the World Cup, India needs to give him consistent game time in less critical ODIs, starting with the New Zealand series.
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