 "Virat Kohli during a practice session ahead of the first ODI cricket match of a series between India and New Zealand, at Kotambi Stadium, in Vadodara, Gujarat, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. PTI")
New Zealand begin their tour to India with a three-match ODI series that starts Sunday, January 11 in Vadodara. While India go into the series with an almost full-strength squad, New Zealand have named a lot of young players in their squad and it will be a challenge for the Kiwi side to beat the hosts in the 50-over match-ups.
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India have rested Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya with an eye on the T20 World Cup but apart from that all first-choice players are in the squad. Shubman Gill, the captain, and Shreyas Iyer, the vice captain, are back in the Indian side to take their spots in the batting line-up. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will again be key attractions as this is the last they will be seen on the ground till the IPL begins late March. The bowling line-up too has seen the addition of Mohammed Siraj who can be expected to lead the attack.
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New Zealand have named an inexperienced side led by off-spinner Michael Bracewell, whose highest ODI score of 140 came against India almost three years ago. Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway and Kyle Jamieson are the only big names in the Kiwi squad.
The match takes place at the Kotambi or the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara and it will be the first men’s international taking place at the ground. Take a look at the pitch report and weather forecast for the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI.
IND vs NZ: BCA Stadium pitch report
Expect a good batting pitch and another big total, especially if India bat first. There have been three women’s ODIs at the Kotambi Stadium and in two of them India batted first to post totals well in excess of 300. Unless there is a dramatic shift in the pitch preparation, it is expected to be a batting paradise again. Dew might prompt teams to bowl first if they win the toss.
IND vs NZ: Vadodara weather
It is expected to be a sunny day in Vadodara with pleasant conditions for playing cricket. No rain is predicted and the afternoon temperature will touch 28 degree Celsius at maximum. Evening temperature could drop to around 20 degree Celsius. Dew is expected at the stadium, making bowling tougher for the team that bats first.