The stage is set for a high-voltage cricketing clash as India host New Zealand for the first ODI of a three-match series at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, 2026. This encounter marks the first ODI face-off between the two sides since the epic final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India emerged victorious to lift the trophy.
India's Probable Playing Eleven: Stability and a Potential Comeback
With regular captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer declared fit and returning from injuries, the top order of the Indian batting lineup appears settled. The experienced trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul is expected to provide the core, with Gill leading from the front.
The most significant selection debate revolves around the middle order. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is strongly tipped for a comeback, potentially filling the crucial number seven slot. Reddy last represented India in the second ODI against Australia in October of the previous year, and this match could be his opportunity to cement his place. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, another candidate, might miss out due to a minor knock sustained during training sessions.
In the bowling department, the return of senior pacer Mohammed Siraj is likely to see Prasidh Krishna make way. The pace attack is expected to be a three-pronged unit featuring Siraj, the left-arm option of Arshdeep Singh, and the promising Harshit Rana. The spin choice is between wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar, with the former holding a slight edge for the playing XI.
New Zealand's Challenge and Squad Composition
The visiting New Zealand side, led by Michael Bracewell, will look to avenge their Champions Trophy final defeat. Their squad blends experience with new faces. The batting will rely on the likes of Devon Conway, Will Young, and the explosive Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
Their bowling attack features the experienced Kyle Jamieson, alongside pace options like Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke. The spin duties could fall to young leg-spinner Aditya Ashok, making the contest between bat and ball an intriguing one.
Pitch, Weather, and Strategic Outlook
The pitch at Vadodara traditionally offers good bounce and carry for the fast bowlers early on, settling into a batting-friendly surface as the game progresses. The weather forecast for match day is clear, promising a full game without interruptions. Teams winning the toss might prefer to chase, considering the dew factor in the evening.
This series opener is more than just a bilateral match; it's a continuation of a recent rivalry with a world title at stake. For India, it's about building momentum with a near-full-strength side. For New Zealand, it's a chance to set the record straight on Indian soil. All eyes will be on team selections, especially whether Nitish Reddy gets the nod, as the action unfolds in Vadodara.
Predicted Playing XIs:
- India: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
- New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Josh Clarkson, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok, Michael Rae.
Full Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja.
New Zealand: Devon Conway (w), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Nick Kelly, Josh Clarkson, Michael Rae, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Hay, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox.
