Vadodara, January 11, 2026 – India is all set to face New Zealand in the first ODI of the bilateral series at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, with predictions strongly favoring the home side. This match marks the stadium’s debut in hosting a men’s ODI game before the series moves to Rajkot and concludes in Indore.
After the conclusion of the Test season, white-ball cricket is taking center stage in India. While T20 leagues continue their global dominance, the Men in Blue are gearing up for a highly anticipated ODI clash against the Black Caps, offering fans a glimpse of India’s preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup, just a month away.
India last played ODIs at home against South Africa in December, securing a 2-1 series win. New Zealand, meanwhile, enjoyed a dominant 3-0 series victory over the West Indies in November. The two sides haven’t faced off in ODIs since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, adding anticipation for this series opener.
Indian Squad Preview
Returning to lead the side is Shubman Gill, after missing the last series due to a neck spasm, with Shreyas Iyer as deputy following his fitness clearance. Veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also feature, both in fine form—Kohli with two fifties and two centuries in recent ODIs, and Rohit scoring a hundred and three half-centuries in his last six outings.
Other key players include KL Rahul, anchoring the middle order, Rishabh Pant returning as secondary wicketkeeper, all-rounders Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacers Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand Squad Preview
New Zealand will field a largely second-string side, focusing on T20 World Cup preparations. Michael Bracewell leads as captain, while Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, and Daryl Mitchell form the experienced top order. The squad also includes fresh talent like Adithya Ashok, and young bowlers Kristian Clarke and Michael Rae making their ODI debuts.
Despite being power-packed, New Zealand’s ODI squad is considered less experienced in bowling, with Jamieson and Foulkes as the only seasoned campaigners.
Key Stakes and Predictions
India is expected to maintain its strong home record, eyeing a series win to continue dominance since 2023. New Zealand, fresh off a historic Test whitewash of India, will aim to challenge the Men in Blue, but the odds favor the home side given their experience, form, and depth.
With star performers back in the Indian lineup and the Black Caps fielding a mix of veterans and newcomers, this ODI promises high drama and intense cricket action, setting the stage for a thrilling bilateral series.