India and New Zealand are set to kick off their 2026 cricketing journey with the first ODI of the series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday, January 11. This will be the first time the two sides meet in the 50-over format since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India emerged victorious, adding extra edge and anticipation to the series opener.
Match Details
The first ODI between India and New Zealand will be played on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara. The match marks the beginning of the New Zealand tour of India 2026.
Match Details
Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
Series: New Zealand tour of India 2026
Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM IST, 1:30 PM PST, 8:00 AM GMT
Venue: Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara
Team Overview
India
India enter the series high on confidence after a dominant 2025 in ODI cricket, where they won 11 of their 14 matches and lifted an ICC trophy under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. While Rohit remains a senior presence in the squad, Shubman Gill is expected to lead the side through much of 2026, and the young captain will be keen to stamp his authority early.
India’s batting lineup looks formidable, featuring experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, alongside the consistency of Gill and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order. KL Rahul’s presence as wicketkeeper-batter adds balance, while Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy provide all-round depth. In the bowling department, India boast a strong mix of pace and spin, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh expected to lead the attack, supported by Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin and Harshit Rana’s pace.
New Zealand
New Zealand had an outstanding year in ODI cricket in 2025, winning 17 of their 20 matches, though they fell short against India on both occasions they faced them. Led by Michael Bracewell, the Black Caps will be eager to start the new year on a positive note and turn their fortunes around against the Men in Blue.
Their batting unit is built around the stability of Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Will Young, with Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips providing power and versatility in the middle order. Bracewell’s leadership and all-round abilities will be crucial, especially in subcontinental conditions. The bowling attack is spearheaded by Kyle Jamieson, whose height and bounce can trouble even the best batters, while the supporting cast of Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae, and Adithya Ashok adds variety.
Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have faced each other 120 times in ODIs. India hold the edge with 62 wins, while New Zealand have won 50 matches. Eight games have ended in ties or no results. Their most recent ODI meeting came in March 2025.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Michael Rae, Jayden Lennox.
Pitch Report
The Baroda Cricket Association Stadium will host its first-ever men’s ODI. Based on the women’s ODIs played here, the surface appears batter-friendly, especially in the first innings. However, the pitch is expected to slow down as the match progresses, making stroke play tougher later on. This could influence captains to bat first and post a competitive total.
Match Scenarios and Prediction
If India bat first, a strong top-order performance could see them post a challenging total, especially with their depth in both batting and bowling. New Zealand, on the other hand, will rely on early breakthroughs from Jamieson to put pressure on the hosts. Given India’s home advantage, recent form, and stronger record against New Zealand, they start as favourites. The likely scenario suggests the team batting first could have the upper hand in Vadodara.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
The match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels in India and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. International viewers can follow the series through official regional broadcasters and authorized cricket streaming platforms, depending on location.