Yash Thakur made his ODI debut for India in the fifth and deciding ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Sunday, 15 November 2026, becoming the 267th player to represent India in men's one-day internationals.
The 27-year-old Vidarbha fast bowler received his maiden ODI cap from spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of the toss. Thakur had played four T20 internationals for India before, but the 50-over format had eluded him until the series decider.
Thakur came into the playing XI in place of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was dropped after an expensive outing in the fourth ODI, when New Zealand posted 333 and thrashed India by 244 runs. Mohammed Siraj also returned to the side for his first appearance of the series, with Gurnoor Brar released to join India's Test squad for preparations in Wellington.
India went into the decider with four frontline fast bowlers — Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur and Auqib Nabi — a clear change of plan after the fourth ODI, when the attack could not contain New Zealand's batters. Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer said at the toss that Thakur had been waiting for his chance for a while and wished him luck on debut.
Before his ODI debut, Thakur had played 60 List A matches and taken 97 wickets. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first, so Thakur's first spell with the ball would come in the second innings, with India batting first in the decider.
New Zealand were also without key bowlers for the finale. Matt Henry, who took 6 for 27 in the fourth ODI, and Kyle Jamieson both left the ODI squad to prepare for the two-Test series starting on 19 November. India lead the five-match series 2-1, with the third ODI washed out, and a win in the decider would give them their first bilateral ODI series win in New Zealand since 2018-19.
Yash Thakur ODI Debut: Key Questions
When did Yash Thakur make his ODI debut? Yash Thakur made his ODI debut on Sunday, 15 November 2026, in the fifth ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
Who did Yash Thakur replace in the Indian team? Thakur replaced left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was dropped after an expensive outing in the fourth ODI.
What is Yash Thakur's ODI cap number? Yash Thakur is India's 267th ODI cricketer. He received his maiden cap from Axar Patel before the toss.
What is Yash Thakur's List A record? Before his debut, Thakur had played 60 List A matches and taken 97 wickets. He had also played four T20 internationals for India.