As India's home cricket season kicks off, the Men in Blue are set to host New Zealand in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series starting from January 11.
This encounter promises high-stakes action, serving as a vital preparation ground for both sides ahead of upcoming global events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With India boasting a formidable home record in ODIs, thanks to their powerhouse batting and spin arsenal tailored to local pitches, the Kiwis will need to summon their trademark grit to pose a real threat. India enter the fray looking to blend seasoned stars with a few emerging talents.
Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to make a much-anticipated return to the 50-over format, bolstering a lineup that
includes dynamic openers and reliable middle-order batsmen. The hosts' recent overseas performances have been a mix of triumphs and lessons, but playing on familiar turf could tilt the scales in their favor.
New Zealand, meanwhile, navigates a transitional phase without key figures like Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner. Led by all-rounder Michael Bracewell, the Black Caps aim to unleash their disciplined bowling attack and bold batting to replicate past heroics, such as their memorable 2019 World Cup semi-final victory over India.
India Team News for NZ ODIs
Jasprit Bumrah is set to be left out for workload management reasons, especially ahead of the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya is similarly not in the fray for selection. Shubman Gill will be back as captain, while Kuldeep Yadav is set to lead the spin attack.
There have been rumours of Mohammed Shami's comeback as the veteran pacer is in line to make a return to the 50-over fold. Rishabh Pant may also find himself out of the side, while Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal are tipped to find a place in the squad. Shreyas Iyer is also nearing a full recovery from his spleen injury and is likely to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but his selection remains a doubt.
India Probable ODI squad vs New Zealand
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
