Vadodara, Jan 10: India is set to kick off its three match ODI series against a new-look New Zealand on Sunday at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi, with batting heavyweights Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expected to take centre stage. The series comes as a crucial buildup to the T20 World Cup less than a month away.
Kohli and Rohit, who recently showcased their form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, are expected to drive India’s campaign. Their performances will be closely watched as the team balances T20 World Cup preparations with ODI commitments.
A key talking point is the return of Shubman Gill after being left out of the T20 World Cup squad. His inclusion is likely to push Yashasvi Jaiswal down the order, despite Jaiswal scoring his maiden ODI century against South Africa recently. Shreyas Iyer is set to reclaim his No. 4 spot, while KL Rahul continues as a lower-order batter and wicketkeeper, keeping Rishabh Pant on the sidelines in the 50-over format. Ravindra Jadeja trained at full capacity on Friday, signalling his availability, while pace stars Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are being rested for T20 preparations. Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna will shoulder the pace-bowling responsibilities. Spin duties will be shared by Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Jadeja.
For New Zealand, the ODI series provides an opportunity to test several new and second-line players. Key absentees include Mitchell Santner (groin injury), Tom Latham (paternity leave), Kane Williamson (SA20 T20 commitments), Rachin Ravindra, and Jacob Duffy. Michael Bracewell will captain the side in Santner’s absence, with Kyle Jamieson and 23-year-old leg-spinner Adithya Ashok expected to play pivotal roles. Despite missing frontline players, the Black Caps boast a strong batting lineup featuring Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips.
The Kotambi stadium will host a men’s international match for the first time, having previously hosted a women’s ODI series. India will look to leverage home advantage as they aim for a winning start, while New Zealand’s mix of experience and fresh talent will test the hosts’ mettle.
Teams:
India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway (wk), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.