India kick off their 2026 international calendar by hosting New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, a contest that sets the tone for a packed season leading into the T20 World Cup and, more importantly, the ODI World Cup scheduled next year. The series opener will be played on Sunday at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium, marking India’s first 50-over assignment of the year.
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill, who returns to lead India in the ODI format after a frustrating spell on the sidelines. The Indian skipper has endured a run of fitness setbacks in recent months, first suffering a neck injury during the Test series in South Africa last November, followed by a toe injury that curtailed his comeback during the T20Is against the same opposition. Fully fit again, Gill’s return will be a major boost for India as they look to build momentum in the 50-over format.
The pitch at the BCA Stadium is expected to favour batters, setting the stage for a high-scoring encounter. That said, fast bowlers could extract some movement with the new ball, while spinners may also come into play if they hit the right lengths as the match progresses.
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Historically, India has held the upper hand in ODI clashes against New Zealand. The two sides have faced off 120 times, with India winning 62 matches to New Zealand’s 50. India is currently on a seven-match winning streak against the Kiwis in ODIs, and New Zealand’s struggles in India are well documented, having managed just eight wins in 39 completed games on Indian soil.
India
A fully fit Shubman Gill will be keen to make the most of his return, especially after enduring a lean run with the bat in recent months. However, much of the spotlight will remain on India’s seasoned campaigners, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose presence continues to anchor the side in the ODI format. Gill’s comeback has forced Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the XI, despite the young opener scoring a brilliant century in his previous international outing against South Africa.
Ruturaj Gaikwad also misses out despite registering a hundred in his last innings for India, with the selectors opting for Shreyas Iyer, who has regained full fitness after recovering from a spleen injury sustained during the Australia tour. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj is in line for a recall after being left out of the South Africa ODIs, having featured in the preceding series in Australia.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand
New Zealand will be led by Michael Bracewell and arrive with a relatively inexperienced squad, with several senior players rested. Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are among the few familiar names.
Probable XI: Will Young, Devon Conway (wk), Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Josh Clarkson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Rae, Adi Ashok.
