The India vs. New Zealand ODI series is set to begin on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara, marking the first assignment of the year for both teams. India will host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series, with the matches scheduled across Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.
While India boasts a strong squad, New Zealand is facing the challenge with a depleted lineup, missing key players like Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner. Michael Bracewell will captain the side.
India's perspective
Despite the perceived advantage, India isn't taking the series lightly. A primary focus will be on assessing the form and fitness of returning players, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Gill, who will captain the side, and Iyer both aim to solidify their positions after being previously sidelined. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are being rested for workload management. The ODI squad includes experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.
The series also provides an opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills in subcontinental conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup. India will want to keep up its impressive home record. India has won 62 of the 120 ODI matches played against New Zealand. At home, India has won 31 and lost 8.
New Zealand's challenge
New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, will aim to adapt to the Indian conditions. The New Zealand squad includes players like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Kyle Jamieson. Daryl Mitchell has been in great form, scoring 497 runs in his last 8 ODIs. Kyle Jamieson's ability to extract bounce and pace could pose a challenge to the Indian batsmen.
The absence of key players presents a significant hurdle for the New Zealand team. Securing a series win against a strong Indian side in their home conditions will be a difficult task.
Key match details
The ODI series will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar. All matches will begin at 1:30 PM IST.
- 1st ODI: January 11, 2026, at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara.
- 2nd ODI: January 14, 2026, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot.
- 3rd ODI: January 18, 2026, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Predicted Playing XI
India's predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
NZ's predicted XI: Devon Conway (WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Zak Foulkes, Josh Clarkson, Jayden Lennox, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok.
