IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

India and New Zealand are ready to begin their 2026 campaign with the first ODI of the series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. This will be their first ODI meeting since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India defeated New Zealand to lift the title.

India enjoyed a strong run in ODI cricket last year, winning most of their matches and ending the year as champions of an ICC tournament. While Rohit Sharma led the team to glory in 2025, Shubman Gill is expected to take charge this year. The young captain will aim to start his leadership journey with a confident performance at home.

New Zealand were equally impressive in 2025, winning 17 of their 20 ODI matches. However, they were unable to get the better of India during the year. Led by Michael Bracewell, the Black Caps will be keen to change that record and make a strong start to the new year against a familiar rival.

IND vs NZ: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Matches Played: 120
India Won: 62
New Zealand Won: 50
Tied / No Result: 8

IND vs NZ: Pitch Report

This will be the first men’s ODI at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium. In the women's ODIs played here, teams batting first have had success. The pitch is expected to assist the batters early before getting slower in the latter part of the match. Hence, captains might opt to bat first and put runs on the board.

IND vs NZ: Predicted Playing XIs

India (IND):

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand:

Devon Conway (WK), Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (C), Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Michael Rae, Jayden Lennox