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.

See Also: SA20 2025-26 Match 21: SEC vs DSG head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

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

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently shared a special training video featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IND vs NZ series. The clip offers a glimpse into the duo’s preparation as India gets ready for the much-anticipated contest against New Zealand. The video has quickly caught the attention of fans, highlighting the focus and intensity of the two senior batters ahead of the series.

In that particular video, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen batting together during an intense training session ahead of the first match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The opening game of the series will be played on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara.

The veteran duo were also seen going through fitness and fielding drills before taking centre stage in the nets, highlighting their focus and preparation for the upcoming series.

Watch the video here:

𝗥𝗼𝗞𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 🔁

Virat Kohli 🤝 Rohit Sharma ready for the #INDvNZ ODIs 💪#TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/8xWIo7CtBm

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2026

Also read -3 historic records Virat Kohli can break in the upcoming IND vs NZ ODI series

Kohli and Rohit’s Domestic Preparations Ahead of IND vs NZ Series

In December 2025, as part of their preparation for the ODI series against New Zealand, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma represented their respective domestic teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. Kohli played two matches for Delhi, scoring 208 runs in two innings at an average of 104.00 and a strike rate of 128.39. He registered one half-century and one century, with his highest score of 131 coming against Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Andhra Pradesh.

Rohit Sharma also featured in two matches for Mumbai during the same tournament. In the opening game against Sikkim, the opener produced a brilliant knock of 155 runs off 94 balls, which included 18 fours and nine sixes. However, in the following match against Uttarakhand, he was dismissed for a golden duck.

See also -Watch: Shreyas Iyer narrowly escapes dog bite at airport ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Record Against New Zealand

Virat Kohli has an excellent record against New Zealand in ODI cricket. In 33 matches, the right-handed batter has scored 1,657 runs at an average of 55.23 and a strike rate of 95.50. His tally includes six centuries and nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 154 not out.

Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has played 31 ODIs against the Black Caps. He has scored 1,073 runs in 29 innings at an average of 38.32 and a strike rate of 85.84. His record includes two centuries and six half-centuries, with a top score of 147.

India are set to take on New Zealand in a three-match ODI series beginning on Sunday, January 11. The series marks the return of Virat Kohli to India’s ODI setup following a sensational performance against South Africa, where he once again showcased his class and consistency.

Whenever Kohli steps onto the field, records are never far behind. The upcoming series against the Black Caps presents him with several opportunities to further etch his name into cricketing history. As the first assignment of 2026 for the 37-year-old approaches, the modern-day great will have a chance to surpass multiple milestones in the series.

Here are the top three records Virat Kohli can break in the IND vs NZ series.

Also read-“Balance toh khatam…”- Wasim Akram makes hilarious comment on PSL franchises ahead of 2026 season

3. Most ODI Runs for India Against New Zealand

Since making his ODI debut in 2008, Virat Kohli has been one of India’s most dependable batters against New Zealand. In 33 ODIs against the Kiwis, he has scored 1,657 runs.

If the Delhi batter scores at least 93 runs in the opening match of the upcoming series, he will go past Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 1,750 runs. This will make Kohli India’s highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODI cricket.

The overall record for the most ODI runs against New Zealand is held by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who scored 1,971 runs in 51 matches.

2. Most ODI Centuries Against New Zealand

Virat Kohli has already scored six ODI centuries against New Zealand. He is currently tied with Virender Sehwag and Ricky Ponting, who also scored six hundreds against the Black Caps during their careers.

If Kohli scores one more century in the upcoming series, he will become the first batter in the world to score seven ODI centuries against New Zealand. Considering his recent form and consistency, this milestone is well within reach.

Read more -Watch: Shreyas Iyer narrowly escapes dog bite at airport ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI

1. Fastest to 28,000 International Runs

Another major milestone is within touching distance for Kohli. The former India captain is just 25 runs away from becoming the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs.

So far, Kohli has scored 27,975 runs in 623 international innings. He will become only the third player in cricket history to reach this landmark, after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Tendulkar reached 28,000 runs in 644 innings, while Sangakkara took 666 innings, highlighting Kohli’s exceptional consistency across all formats.

Tilak Varma is uncertain for the India vs New Zealand T20I series, as he underwent surgery. It is not clear whether he can regain match fitness before or during the contest. In this scenario, cricket fans are speculating about who can be a proper replacement if Varma misses the bilateral T20I series.

Sarfaraz Khan is someone who has changed himself a lot during the last few months. He lost a significant amount of weight and developed his batting skills as well. The batter, once known only as a Test format player, is now toying with bowlers in the limited-format games. Without any doubts, Khan deserves a spot in Team India.

3 reasons why Sarfaraz Khan should be considered in place of Tilak Varma:

1. Dominating batting in recent times: The Mumbai-born is among the top batters who have been playing with consistency in domestic cricket. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (VHT 2025-26), Khan's swashbuckling batting became one of the main talking points among cricket fans. On January 8, he registered the fastest List-A half-century by an Indian batter. Before that, for Mumbai, he smashed a 157-run innings off 75 deliveries. Apart from these two knocks, the batter bagged multiple half-centuries and match-winning performances.

Read More: 3 reasons why Devdutt Padikkal should be considered in place of Tilak Varma

2. Proven middle-order batter: If the selectors want a middle-order batter in place of another middle-order batter, then Khan deserves to be in the contention. He proved himself in the longer format of the game and is now scoring all the runs with a quick pace coming as a middle-order batsman. With proper batting techniques, the 28-year-old has developed himself into a Twenty20 player as well.

3. Situational awareness: Unlike Tilak Varma, who is more of a modern, momentum-based batter, Sarfaraz brings a traditional-yet-adaptable approach—he can grind when needed and accelerate sharply once set. These skill sets of Khan make him one of the most dominating forces in Indian cricket.

The surgery of Tilak Varma can open the door for multiple cricketers who are currently out from Team India's T20I setup. As per reports, Varma can miss multiple matches of the India vs New Zealand T20I series. In this situation, the selectors may have to name a replacement for the middle-order batter. Devdutt Padikkal can be an ideal name in that place.

Why can Devdutt Padikkal be considered a proper replacement for Tilak Varma? Here are 3 reasons:

1. Current Form: Devdutt Padikkal currently is in stunning form. In the last five domestic matches, he registered a couple of hundreds and missed another century for only 9 runs. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (VHT 2025-26), he has been playing constantly well for the Karnataka cricket team from the beginning of the tournament. With a lot of domestic experience, Padikkal has the potential to become a part of the top-tier cricket grind.

2. Proven talent against the new ball: While Tilak Varma is known for his attacking batting, Padikkal can bring in stability with his compact batting skills. Padikkal has consistently shown the technique to handle swing, seam, and high pace with the new ball.

Read More: KKR bowler smashed INR 14.20 crore CSK recruit for 4 Sixes in an Over in VHT 2025-16 match

As we mentioned before, he has played some long-standing innings in the domestic cricket, so the batter is equally applicable against spinners. In adverse batting conditions, Padikkal's cool, calm attitude can prove helpful for the team.

3. Long range of shots and versatility: The 25-year-old can provide flexibility in the batting order, as he can fit in both the top and middle order. Additionally, Padikkal is a left-handed batter, which can support the team management in setting a right playing combination. With a long range of shots and acceleration according to the condition of a match, Devdutt Padikkal has developed into a must-watch batter.

Indian players are getting ready for their first international match in 2026, as India will face New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match home series on Sunday (January 11) in Baroda. Only four players of the complete squad have reportedly not joined the team yet, and here we can know the clear reason for their present absence from the national team.

White-ball series against New Zealand are crucial before T20 World Cup

The Men in Blues are ready to begin their journey in 2026 with the home three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which will start on January 11. After the ODI series, India will host a five-match T20I series against New Zealand before hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, along with Sri Lanka, where India will also defend the title. 

While the national selection committee has already announced the 15-member ODI squad for the home series, most of the players have already reached Baroda for the series opener, including the former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Breaking News: Indian star ruled out of IND vs NZ first 3 T20Is

Four players were busy in Vijay Hazare Trophy; will join on Friday

However, four players of the 15-member squad are yet to join the team. These four names are Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj. All these players are likely to join the squad on Friday (January 9), as they were busy in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. 

On Thursday (January 8), all four players played in the last day of the Elite group stage in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Rishabh Pant led Delhi in their comfortable nine-wicket win against Haryana, while Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer scored 45 off 34 balls in their one-run defeat against Punjab. Also, Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets (2/45) in their three-wicket defeat against Jammu and Kashmir, and Ravindra Jadeja (52 not out off 39 balls and 3/62) had a strong all-round performance for Saurashtra in their 145-run win against Gujarat.

A star Indian cricketer has been ruled out for the first three T20Is of the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, which will begin on January 21.

Tilak Varma ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand

The 23-year-old Tilak Varma just had a testicular torsion surgery last Wednesday (January 7). On Thursday (January 8), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Tilak was discharged from the hospital and had been ruled out of the first three T20Is of the upcoming home T20I series against New Zealand.  

Meanwhile, the BCCI also added that Tilak's availability for the remaining two matches of the series would be decided based on his progress in training and skill phases. 

🚨 NEWS 🚨

Tilak Varma ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand.

His availability for the remaining two matches will be assessed based on his progress during the return-to-training and skill phases.

Details 🔽 | #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank…

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 8, 2026

What is 'Testicular Torsion' surgery and how risky it can be for Tilak Varma? Know in detail

Tilak Varma is recovering well

In the official statement, the BCCI clarified that Tilak would return to Hyderabad on Friday (January 9), while he was stable and progressing well. 

Earlier, Hyderabad coach DB Ravi Teja told Cricbuzz that Tilak would be fit in a few days, as the surgery was very minor. The coach assured that the player was with the team and would fly to Hyderabad the next day.  

With Tilak's surgery news, many fans thought the Asia Cup 2025 Final hero would miss the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host between February 7 and March 8, 2026. Tilak was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded five-match home T20I series against South Africa, as his presence is very important for the Men in Blues to defend the T20 World Cup title. 

But the latest information from the Hyderabad coach brings a huge hope to the Indian cricket fans, which is only strengthened by the BCCI's latest statement. 

Tilak Varma can miss the India vs New Zealand T20I series as he undergoes groin surgery. If he is set to miss the entire series, then BCCI will have no option but to find a replacement for the batter. Who can be the replacement for Tilak Varma?

There are multiple batters who can delicately fit in the squad, including Shubman Gill, who was the vice captain of the T20I team during the India vs South Africa home series. But fresh reports suggest that the selectors may not consider the Punjab-born's name as the replacement of Tilak Varma.

The report sparked a common question among Indian cricket fans, 'Is Shubman Gill's T20I career finished?' In the last few weeks, the top-order batter missed multiple international and domestic matches because of back-to-back injuries. Apart from injuries, his form in the Twenty20 International format was also not enough for justifying his talent.

Read More: KKR eye Virat Kohli's arch rival as Mustafizur Rahman's replacement for IPL 2026

In 2025, Shubman Gill participated in 15 T20I matches without scoring a single half-century. 47 was his highest individual score, which he got against Pakistan in Dubai on September 21. His second highest score was 46 against Australia in Carrara. Overall, the right-handed batter has played 36 T20Is for India to score a total of 869 runs at an average of 28.03.

Shubman Gill's overall T20I stats:

Shubman Gill's T20I stats in 2025:

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s viral training video has taken social media by storm. Fans were surprised by his noticeably leaner look ahead of the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series. As India prepares for the three-match series starting January 11 in Vadodara, Rohit’s transformation has once again caught everyone’s attention.

The veteran batter will return to action when India faces New Zealand in the ODI series beginning Sunday. Rohit reached Vadodara ahead of the first match and is expected to play an important role alongside Virat Kohli. After retiring from Test cricket in May last year, Rohit is now fully focused on white-ball cricket, especially ODIs.

The viral video shows Rohit batting in the nets and looking sharper and fitter than before. Many fans said he was “barely recognisable,” while some even claimed he looked “thinner than Kohli.” Rohit was also seen wearing a new helmet during the practice session.

Watch the video here:

The lofted straight Drive from Rohit Sharma during today's practice session.🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/IqcS4PovKW

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) January 6, 2026

Rohit Sharma during his practice session before NZ odi series.❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/euDORoJU6s

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) January 6, 2026

Also Read -What is 'Testicular Torsion' surgery and how risky it can be for Tilak Varma? Know in detail

Rohit Sharma Impresses Fans During Training

One moment from the video showed Rohit stepping into the delivery and hitting a straight six down the ground. Fans also gathered at the MCA Ground in Mumbai to catch a glimpse of Rohit Sharma during his training session. In a light-hearted moment, a fan offered him a vada pav. Rohit smiled and politely refused the offer.

Last year was special for the Nagpur-born cricketer. He led India to the ICC Champions Trophy title and played a match-winning knock of 76 runs in the final. Rohit became the top-ranked ODI batter in the ICC rankings for the first time. He also became India’s third-highest ODI run-scorer and the fourth Indian to complete 20,000 international runs.

Rohit broke Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record for the most sixes in ODIs. He finished the year with 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50.

A fresh video of Rohit Sharma is winning the hearts of every cricket fan on social media platforms. The heartwarming video is also a lesson for parents. Fans often take some crazy ways to meet with their favourite cricketers closely. But this time, what happened did not make Rohit Sharma happy at all. Actually, he was in total disgrace with the incident created by the parents of the little girl.

From the video, we can see that Rohit Sharma was at an airport with some of his close persons while a little girl was standing in his way. Rohit spotted the girl and showed his caring approach. He holds the girl's hand gently and takes her to her parents. Sharma, father of two children, advised the parents not to do such things.

After playing a couple of Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (VHT 2025-26) matches for Mumbai and some training on an individual basis, the former India captain is all set to join Team India for the upcoming 3-match ODI series with New Zealand. Sharma will be back in action for the Men in Blue brigade through the 50-over contest.

Read More: Big boost for Team India as Shreyas Iyer set to play from IND vs NZ 1st ODI after completing rehab

Watch the moment when Rohit Sharma taking care of the little girl

At the airport, when Rohit Sharma saw that some parents had left their young daughter standing in the path he was walking through, he became concerned. Rohit gently held the little girl’s hand, took her to her parents, and told them that this was wrong and that children should… pic.twitter.com/eEhtv0PTUo

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) January 7, 2026

On December 24, Sharma smashed a match-winning 155-run knock for Mumbai in Jaipur. Before that, when India was up against South Africa, he hit a couple of half-centuries in the three-match ODI series. At the age of 38, the experienced opener took himself to the next level to enhance his game style more.

Here are the match dates and start times of all IND vs NZ ODI matches:

• IND vs NZ 1st ODI: January 11, 2026 - 1:30 PM IST
• IND vs NZ 2nd ODI: January 14, 2026 - 1:30 PM IST
• IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: January 18, 2026 - 1:30 PM IST