The stage is set for the first ODI between India and New Zealand in the three-match series, scheduled for Sunday, January 11, at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. India, having lost only one ODI series in 2025 against Australia (1-2), will field a strong lineup with stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading the batting. ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer returns from injury, while Jasprit Bumrah is rested to manage workload. Mohammed Siraj, along with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, will form the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead the spin department.

Head-to-head record

New Zealand have also shown strong performances in the white-ball format in recent years, and their previous visit to India saw them achieve a notable Test series win. Head-to-head, India has won 55 out of 107 ODIs, with New Zealand winning 46, five no-results, and one tie.

Weather forecast

Kotambi Stadium is expected to offer ideal conditions for cricket, with sunny weather and temperatures ranging from 28°C during the day to 13°C in the evening, ensuring uninterrupted play.

Probable playing XI

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

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Zak Foulkes, Josh Clarkson, Jayden Lennox, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok.

Pitch report

The pitch is batter-friendly, offering consistent bounce. Having hosted only two international matches—both Women’s ODIs—judgments are limited, but early signs suggest high-scoring possibilities and an exciting debut ODI for the venue.

When and where to watch

The toss for the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled for 1 PM IST. Fans can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network. It will also be live-streamed on JioHotstar for online viewers. (With inputs from Agencies)