IND vs NZ Playing 11: India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Team News, Predicted Lineups

India are up against New Zealand on Sunday (January 11) in the first of the three-match ODI series as they play at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.

The Indian team commence their journey in the new calendar

year and will be aiming to continue their recent upsurge in the 50-over format.

India vs New Zealand Team News

For India, the spotlight is on stand-in captain Shubman Gill, who steps up to lead the side in what promises to be a crucial series ahead of major international tournaments. Gill, known for his elegant strokeplay, will open the batting alongside the veteran Rohit Sharma, whose explosive starts have defined Indian ODIs for years. The team has received a boost with the comeback of Virat Kohli, who returns after a brief hiatus and is expected to anchor the innings at number three. Shreyas Iyer, recovering from a minor injury, slots in at number four as vice-captain, bringing his flair against spin.

In the middle order, KL Rahul takes up wicketkeeping duties and will bat at number five, providing stability with his technical prowess. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja adds depth with his left-arm spin and handy batting, while Nitish Kumar Reddy, the young sensation, is set to make an impact with his seam-bowling all-round skills. The pace attack looks formidable, led by Harshit Rana, who impressed in domestic circuits, alongside Kuldeep Yadav's wrist-spin wizardry. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh round off the bowling unit, offering swing and death-over expertise.

A notable absence is Rishabh Pant, sidelined due to a recent setback in training, forcing the selectors to rely on Rahul behind the stumps.

On the New Zealand side, Michael Bracewell assumes captaincy in the absence of regulars like Kane Williamson, who is resting for upcoming commitments. The Kiwis' batting lineup features Devon Conway as opener and wicketkeeper, partnered by Will Young for a solid start. Henry Nicholls at three and Daryl Mitchell at four bring experience, while Glenn Phillips' aggressive style at five could trouble the Indian spinners. Bracewell himself will bat at six, contributing with his off-spin, followed by all-rounder Josh Clarkson at seven for added firepower. The bowling department includes Kristian Clarke, who is set to make his debut.

India vs New Zealand Predicted Playing 11

India Playing 11: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand Playing 11: Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Rae, Adithya Ashok