KL Rahul played another great quality innings when India needed him most, as the right-handed batter scored his eighth ODI century to help the hosts to manage a strong challenging total on a tricky Rajkot pitch.

It is the second game of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand on Wednesday (January 14), where New Zealand chose to field first while trailing the series by 1-0. 

Watch: What is meaning of KL Rahul’s whistle celebration after century in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI?

KL Rahul rescued Indian team in 2nd ODI

Although Indian openers Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill provided a positive start with a 70-run partnership for the first wicket, the hosts then found themselves at 118/4 by losing all top four batters, including the in-form and no.1-ranked ODI batter Virat Kohli (23).

From that pressure situation, KL Rahul strongly held the innings along with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Rahul and Jadeja (27) had a 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket, and Rahul and Nitish (20) had a 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket.  

While both of his set partners were dismissed, Rahul stayed on the crease to the final ball of the innings, putting the hosts to a strong challenging position, as India managed to score 284/7 in 50 overs, thanks to Rahul's unbeaten 112 off 92 balls with 11 fours and one six. 

KL Rahul completed eighth ODI century in 87 balls

While Rahul completed his 50 runs in 52 balls with a four, he completed his eighth ODI century with a sixer in 87 balls, which happened on the final ball of the 49th over. It was the first century in international cricket by an Indian batter in 2026. Rahul ended the innings with a four, as he led the hosts to secure 12 runs in the final over of the innings. 

𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 😌

KL Rahul brings up his 8️⃣th ODI century to put #TeamIndia in a strong position 💪#INDvNZ | 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/mJ3SChcj3i pic.twitter.com/1zfq06ydH6

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 14, 2026

Hosts India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand after winning the series opener by four wickets with one over remaining. While the former Indian captain Virat Kohli played another memorable innings of 93 runs, the Men in Blues secured a strong win despite middle-order hiccups. 

Indian captain Shubman Gill chose to field first after winning the toss at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, which was hosting its first men's international match. While New Zealand scored 300/8 in 50 overs, India chased down the target in 49 overs after losing six wickets. 

Watch: Brilliant Harshit Rana dismisses both set New Zealand openers in IND vs NZ 1st ODI

Drayl Mitchell played powerful innings after strong opening start

New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls provided the perfect start after the Indian fielders dropped a few chances. They had a 117-run partnership for the first wicket, while Harshit Rana dismissed both the openers in back-to-back overs. While Nicholls scored 62 off 69 balls with eight fours, Conway scored 56 off 67 balls with six fours and one six.

However, Blackcaps lost the plot in the middle overs, as the hosts were taking wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Daryl Mitchell, all other middle-order batters failed to put up a solid reply to the home bowlers. Dangerous-looking Mitchell scored 84 off 71 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes. No.9 batter Kristian Clarke, who made his international cricket debut in this game, added a crucial 24 not out off 17 balls with the help of three fours, and it helped the visitors to put a challenging total on the board. 

Mohammed Siraj (2/40), Prasidh Krishna (2/60), and Harshit Rana (2/65) all got two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav (1/52) had one wicket. 

Virat Kohli led chase in a nervy success

In reply, Rohit Sharma and the skipper Shubman Gill set a 39-run partnership before the former captain was dismissed for 26 off 29 balls with three fours and two sixes. Then Gill and Virat Kohli had a 118-run partnership for the second wicket. Gill scored 56 off 71 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes, as he lost his wicket soon after getting treatment on the field, possibly due to cramps.

Kohli then got strong support from the comeback man Shreyas Iyer, as they had a 77-run partnership for the third wicket. Kohli completed his half-century in 44 balls, as the former Indian skipper scored 93 off 91 balls (eight fours and one six) before losing his wicket. It was Kohli's 5th 50+ score in ODI cricket, while the right-handed batter has scored 50+ runs in last seven List A innings. 

Soon after Kohli's dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja (4) and set-Shreyas Iyer (49) were dismissed, as the hosts were suddenly under pressure with 59 required in 53 balls with five wickets in hand. 

KL Rahul and Harshit Rana had a crucial partnership that rescued the hosts. They had a vital 37-run partnership for the sixth wicket, as Rana scored 29 off 23 balls before losing his wicket. Rahul remained not out for 29 off 21 balls, while Washington Sundar (7 not out) provided the required support for the victory. 

While the Blackcaps bowling line-up had a lack of experience, Kyle Jamieson bagged four wickets, as he had the bowling figures of 10-1-41-4. 

India are ready for their first match in 2026, as the Men in Blue are hosting the first game of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at Vadodara. The left-arm Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh is on the bench for the first ODI, and here we will know the reason for his absence in the ODI series opener. 

Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara is making its men's international cricket debut with Sunday's ODI between India and New Zealand. While the pitch is tricky in itself, Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first.

For the ODI series opener, India have gone with six bowling options: three pacers and three spinners. While the spinners are Kuldeep Yadav, along with the all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, the pacers for the Vadodara ODI are Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. 

See Also: IND vs NZ 1st ODI Playing XIs in Vadodara

Arshdeep Singh misses first ODI against New Zealand

The 26-year-old Indian left-arm medium fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is very consistent in white-ball cricket, as he is the leading wicket-taker for India in the T20I format. After making his ODI debut in 2022, Arshdeep has recorded 22 wickets in 14 ODIs. In the last ODI series against South Africa last December, Arshdeep was the third leading wicket-taker with five wickets in three games. 

No injury news for Arshdeep Singh

Well, there is no news of Arshdeep ahead of the first ODI. However, the Indian team management is experimenting at the moment, and Arshdeep's exclusion from the first ODI is probably a part of this. Also, Arshdeep will have to play a major role for the Men in Blue in the battle to retain the T20 World Cup title, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host from February 7, with less than a month to go. 

So, it is likely we will see more in and out for Arshdeep and other Indian pacers in the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, which is proper preparation for the Men in Blues before hosting the T20 World Cup. 

The Indian team is getting ready for their first match in 2026, as the Men in Blue are hosting New Zealand for the three-match ODI series, starting on Sunday (January 11). Before the beginning of the ODI series, Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill spoke about the importance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the team. 

Former Indian captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now only play the ODI format, as both have retired from the other two international formats. Both Rohit and Kohli are in great form with the bat, as they are scoring comfortably. 

See Also: "I want to..."- Shubman Gill opens up his feelings after T20 World Cup snub

It makes your life easier: Shubman Gill about the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

The present Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill feels that both Rohit and Kohli make handling the team easier. 

Before the home ODI series against New Zealand, Gill said, “The two names that you have taken — one is one of the greatest openers of all time, Rohit Sharma, and Virat bhai is one of the greatest ODI batters ever. So definitely, when you have these two in your team, it makes your life easier."

Gill emphasised Rohit and Kohli's experiences, which he can utilise during a tough phase of any game.

Gill added, "Whenever you are in a tough situation, they have been in those kinds of situations and conditions many times in their life, so you can always go to them and see how they are thinking and what they would do, and that piece of information is very valuable for any captain."

Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli be present in the next ODI World Cup?

While India are ready to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will run between February 7 and March 8, 2026, it is also the time to start preparation for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host in October-November 2027.

Indian cricket fans are hoping to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the next ODI World Cup to end their long wait for the ICC ODI World Cup.

Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is ready for his international comeback with the home ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Sunday (January 11), which will be hosted at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara. The day before the ODI series opener, Gill spoke in his snub from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. 

Shubman Gill was T20I vice-captain

Shubman Gill was earlier selected as the T20I vice-captain, but as an opener in the T20I format, the right-handed batter was struggling to perform comfortably. While he was out of the playing XI for the last two games of the five-match home T20I series against South Africa last December, Sanju Samson impressed as an opener in the last game of the series. Soon after that series finale, the Indian squad was announced for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the vice-captain Gill was dropped from the team.

Watch: BCCI shares special training video of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs NZ series

I respect the selectors’ decision: Shubman Gill 

Indian Test and ODI skipper is in a positive mood, as he is focusing on his upcoming opportunities and not thinking much about his T20I exclusion, while respecting the selectors' decision. He has also wished for India's title retention goal success. 

Gill said in the press conference, “Firstly, it is my belief that in my life, I am where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, I will have it. As a player, I want to win games for my team, but having said that, I respect the selectors’ decision. I wish the T20 team the very best. I hope that they win the World Cup."

After the three-match ODI series, the Suryakumar Yadav-led India will host New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, starting on January 21. After the back-to-back home bilateral series, India will host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 along with Sri Lanka from February 7 and March 8, 2026.

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. 

While India under the head coach of Gautam Gambhir in white-ball cricket is dominating, the Test team is deeply struggling. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering an alternative option for the Indian Test coaching system. 

Since Gautam Gambhir has taken the head coach responsibility of the Indian national cricket team, the Men in Blues are dominating in white-ball cricket, as they won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup T20 2025, both as unbeaten sides. 

However, the Gambhir-managed Test team is deeply struggling in Test cricket, as they suffered a whitewash in the home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa. Although India managed to draw the Test series in England 2-2 in this calendar year, the Test head coach Gautam Gambhir is under serious scrutiny. 

Even though Gambhir's Indian ODI and T20I sides are performing impressively, the head coach is still in question for continuous experimenting in the squad and strategies. Some experts fear that these experiments can backfire on the Men in Blues in future tournaments. 

KKR IPL 2026 Ownership Update: Shah Rukh Khan set to acquire Mehta Group’s Shares in franchise

It would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests too

While the head coach Gautam Gambhir is currently under pressure, the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 can test him hugely. If India fail to impress in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will host between February 7 and March 8, Gambhir's condition may be worse. 

However, even if India perform well in the T20 World Cup 2026, there is doubt whether Gambhir would continue the Test coaching. 

A BCCI source recently told PTI, "Gambhir does have (a) strong backing within the power corridors of Indian cricket and obviously, if India retain the T20 World Cup or at least reach the final, he would be seamlessly continuing with his assignment. However, it would be interesting if Gambhir continues in Tests too." 

VVS Laxman isn't interested in coaching senior Test team

While the source added that the former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman isn't interested in Indian Test coaching, it raises a significant report that the BCCI may be busy getting an alternative option for the Test coaching, if required in the near future. 

The source added, "His advantage being (that there) aren't too many alternate options in red ball format since VVS Laxman isn't interested in coaching senior Test team."

On Saturday, the Indian men's national selection committee announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where Ishan Kishan was surprisingly included, who has missed international cricket for more than two years. After the selection news, Ishan's mother got emotional on camera.  

Ishan Kishan's mother got emotional

A reporter was asking Ishan's mother's reaction to her son's selection for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The mother said that she was praying while her son worked very hard to earn this call-up. She also added that the god listened to a mother's prayer.  

Ishan Kishan's mother got emotional when asked about her son's selection in T20I WC 🥺

The amount of hate Ishan Kishan got for taking a break just because he was suffering from mental fatigue is unforgivable.#IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/0qQGJ1P2nn

— Ayush (@AyushCricket32) December 20, 2025

The 27-year-old Ishan Kishan last represented Team India in November 2023, when India hosted a T20I series against Australia. The wicketkeeper-batter has played two Tests, 27 ODIs, and 32 T20Is. In his T20I career, Ishan scored 796 runs in 32 innings with an average of 25.67 and a strike rate of 124.37, including six half-centuries. 

In December 2022, during the Chattogram ODI against the hosts Bangladesh, Ishan slammed the fastest ODI double-century, which is still his only ODI century, as the left-handed batter scored 210 in 131 balls, with the help of 24 fours and 10 sixes. In his ODI career, Ishan has scored 933 runs in 24 innings with an average of 42.40, including one century and seven half-centuries. In 2023, he also recorded four back-to-back 50+ knocks in ODIs; however, after November 2023, he slowly moved out of the national squad due to disciplinary reasons.  

See Also: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26: Top records, key milestones and standout performances

The reason for Ishan Kishan's selection for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

In the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, while Jharkhand won their first title under Ishan Kishan's captaincy, he finished as the leading run-scorer with 517 runs, including two centuries. He also slammed a century in the Final, as he won the Player of the Match award in that Final. 

The 15-member Indian squad has been announced for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the defending champions India will also play as the co-hosts along with Sri Lanka, which will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Here, we will know the strongest playing XI for Team India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. 

In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, India can make history in three ways: as they can be the first team to defend the title, win the title at home, and be the first team to win the trophy for the third time. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian T20I team is firing, as the Men in Blues have set the fearless examples. 

See Also: Why is Shubman Gill dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad?

Possible Indian playing XI for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Despite a few shocking inclusions/exclusions for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, most of the positions are already sorted. Abhishek Sharma will have the opening partner Sanju Samson, who returned to the playing XI during the last game of the five-match home T20I series against South Africa and impressed as an opener. 

Versatile and in-form Tilak Varma can handle the no.3 batting role, while struggling skipper Suryakumar Yadav can choose the no.4 batting order.

The middle-order batting powers have the names of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. 

While Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah will take the pace-bowling responsibilities, Kuldeep Yadav and the no.1 T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy will take the spin-bowling responsibilities. 

Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar can also be in the battle for the playing XI, as he can replace Kuldeep Yadav, if India want to make the batting line-up longer. 

Team India's strongest playing XI for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav/Washington Sundar