The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Shubman Gill-led India prepares to lock horns with Michael Bracewell's New Zealand in the first ODI of a three-match series. The battle will commence at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Sunday, January 10, 2026. All eyes will be on the marquee Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are coming off Vijay Hazare Trophy practice and aim to maintain their form amidst rising competition.
BCA Stadium Kotambi Pitch Analysis: A Batting Paradise?
The surface at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara is traditionally known to favor the batters. While the new ball bowlers might find some early assistance, the pitch is expected to become excellent for stroke-making as the game progresses. Once the initial shine wears off, batters from both sides can look to score freely. An interesting tactical layer is added by the new rule of using only one ball after the 34th over. This change could bring spinners from both teams into the game significantly in the middle overs, as the older ball might offer more grip and turn.
Vadodara Weather Forecast and Dew Factor
The weather in Vadodara on match day could play a decisive role in the captain's strategy at the toss. According to the Accuweather app, the temperature is forecast to be around 29 degrees Celsius during the morning but will drop sharply to about 15 degrees by the evening. This significant temperature differential is likely to lead to heavy dew formation on the outfield later in the night.
Dew makes it extremely challenging for bowlers, especially spinners, to grip the ball, effectively turning the chase into a batting-friendly exercise. Consequently, the team that wins the toss is strongly expected to opt to bat first, aiming to set a target and let the opposition grapple with the wet ball under lights.
Squad Lists and Key Contest
The Indian squad boasts a powerful lineup with experienced campaigners and exciting young talent. The team includes Rohit Sharma, captain Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja.
New Zealand, under the leadership of Michael Bracewell, will rely on a mix of experience and fresh faces. Their squad comprises Devon Conway (wicket-keeper), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (captain), Zakary Foulkes, Nick Kelly, Josh Clarkson, Michael Rae, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Hay, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, and Jayden Lennox.
With a flat pitch, dew later in the evening, and two star-studded batting line-ups, fans in Vadodara can expect a high-scoring contest where the toss could be a crucial factor.
