International cricket kicks off in India for 2026 with an exciting three-match ODI series between the Men in Blue and New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This marks the venue’s debut as a host for a men’s international match, adding extra significance to the opener.
The series serves as India’s first international assignment of the year and comes at a crucial juncture, just weeks before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. For the hosts, it’s about striking a balance between workload management for key players and maintaining momentum from their strong 2025 ODI performances.
India’s Star-Studded Line-up and Key Returns
Led by young captain Shubman Gill, India boast a formidable squad featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, batting legends in the 50-over format. Both come into the series in prime form after dominant displays in recent ODIs and domestic cricket.
- Rohit, the top-ranked ODI batter, scored 650 runs at an average of around 50 last year and has been prolific against New Zealand historically.
- Kohli boasts an exceptional record at home against the Kiwis, amassing 1,122 runs at a remarkable average of 74.80.
Kohli’s recent exploits include 302 runs at an average of 151 in the South Africa ODI series, while in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he returned after 15 years with scores of 131 and 77. Rohit, making his List A domestic comeback after seven years, hammered 155 against Sikkim.
Shreyas Iyer returns as vice-captain after receiving fitness clearance, reclaiming the No. 4 spot. The bowling attack looks potent, with Mohammed Siraj leading the pace alongside young talents Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be a major threat on the Vadodara surface, which is anticipated to offer balance but favour spinners as the game progresses.
However, Gill himself will be under scrutiny after being dropped from the T20 World Cup squad due to form and injury concerns in late 2025.
New Zealand’s Challenge with a Second-String Side
New Zealand arrive with a depleted, second-string squad under stand-in captain Michael Bracewell, as several first-choice players are rested or injured ahead of the T20 World Cup. Key survivors from last year’s Champions Trophy include Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips.
The Kiwis also feature India-born leg-spinner Adithya Ashok, who could play a pivotal role on the spin-friendly Vadodara pitch. Despite the challenges, New Zealand aim to shake off memories of tough white-ball tours to India and adapt to subcontinent conditions.
Bracewell’s side will rely on experienced performers such as Daryl Mitchell (761 ODI runs in 2024 at an average of 54.35) and Devon Conway (an average of 43.91 in India with a strike-rate of over 105).
Head-to-Head
India and New Zealand have clashed in 120 ODIs so far:
- India wins: 62
- New Zealand wins: 50
- Ties: 1
- No Results: 7
The hosts hold a commanding edge at home, winning 31 of 39 completed games (New Zealand: 8). India have dominated recent encounters, securing victories in their last seven ODIs against the Kiwis.
New Zealand’s poor record in India makes this series a tough assignment, but their current form could make it competitive.
With Rohit and Kohli driving India’s batting, Kuldeep posing a spin threat, and New Zealand’s emerging talents looking to make an impact, the series promises high-quality cricket. The opening match at the new BCA Stadium sets the stage for an intriguing battle.
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