Team India will play New Zealand in a three-match ODI series at home from January 11 to January 18. This will be India’s first international series of the New Year. The matches will be played in three different cities across India.

The first ODI will be held at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, in Vadodara. The second match will take place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14. The third and final ODI will be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18.

India and New Zealand have played 120 ODI matches so far. India has won 62 matches, while New Zealand have won 50. One match ended in a tie, and seven matches ended with no result. In home conditions, India has won 31 out of 40 ODIs against New Zealand.

Indian bowlers have given some strong performances against New Zealand in home ODIs. In this feature, we look at four Indian bowlers who have taken five-wicket hauls against the Kiwis in India.

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1. Mohammad Shami (7/57 and 5/54)
Senior fast bowler Mohammad Shami has taken two five-wicket hauls against New Zealand in home ODIs. He produced an outstanding spell of 7/57 in 9.5 overs during the first semifinal of the 2023 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In that match, Shami dismissed Devon Conway (13), Rachin Ravindra (13), Kane Williamson (69), Tom Latham (0), and Daryl Mitchell with a brilliant bowling performance.

Shami also claimed figures of 5/54 in Dharamsala during the league stage of the same World Cup. Bowling first, he removed Will Young (17) and later dismissed Rachin Ravindra (75) with a well-disguised slower ball before cleaning up the lower order. India restricted New Zealand to 273 and successfully chased the target in 48 overs, with Virat Kohli scoring 95 runs.

2. Kris Srikkanth (5/27 and 5/32)
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth is a surprising name on this list. An occasional off-spinner, he took 25 wickets in 146 ODI matches. Both of his five-wicket hauls came during the home series against New Zealand in December 1988, helping him finish his ODI career with a bowling average of 25.64.

Srikkanth took 5/27 from seven overs in the first ODI at Visakhapatnam. He dismissed Ken Rutherford (67), Ian Smith (6), Trevor Franklin (21), John Bracewell (12), and Chris Kuggeleijn (4) as India restricted New Zealand to 196 for nine. He then scored 70 runs off 87 balls to help India win the match by four wickets. In the third ODI at Indore, Srikkanth picked up 5/32 from six overs as New Zealand were held to 169 for nine while chasing 223.

3. Amit Mishra (5/18)
Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra delivered a superb performance with figures of 5/18 from six overs against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam in October 2016. It was the fifth and final ODI of the series. Mishra bowled two maiden overs as New Zealand were bowled out for 79 in 23.1 overs, chasing India’s total of 269 for six.

Mishra dismissed Ross Taylor (19), BJ Watling (0), James Neesham (3), Tim Southee (0), and Ish Sodhi (0). His accurate and attacking bowling helped India win the match by 190 runs and clinch the series 3–2.

4. Manoj Prabhakar (5/33)
Former India all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar took 5/33 from 10 overs against New Zealand in Amritsar in November 1995. The match was the second ODI of the six-game series. India bowled out New Zealand for 145 in 44.1 overs and chased down the target in 43.4 overs to win by six wickets and level the series 1–1.

Prabhakar made early breakthroughs by dismissing Mark Greatbatch (2) and Martin Crowe (2). He also removed Shane Thomson (14), Lee Germon (9), and Dion Nash (0) to complete his five-wicket haul. For his match-winning performance, Prabhakar was named Player of the Match.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India recently announced the 15-player India squad bound for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 9. While most names in the squad were expected, one omission was quite prominent and took the headlines almost in no time.

That name was Shubman Gill, who had been India’s vice-captain in T20Is since September. By virtue of his leadership role and the fact that he was a constant feature in recent squads, fans and experts alike were shocked at his exclusion.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth also admitted he did not see the decision coming. However, despite the initial shock, he openly praised the selectors for taking a tough call based on form and suitability for the shortest format.

Srikkanth Explains Why Selectors Got It Right

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth applauded chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel for standing firm. “I was very shocked. This is a superb selection. I didn't expect they would drop Shubman Gill. They made him the vice-captain. Even during the tour of Australia, he was the vice-captain. Yes, Rinku Singh was in the team and Ishan Kishan wasn't even in the radar. But, fantastic selection, I should say. Well done Ajit Agarkar and Team India selection team!” he said.

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Srikkanth then explained the reasoning behind Gill’s omission by focusing on T20 requirements. “In one-day cricket, he (Gill) is great. In Tests, he scored truckloads in England. But, in T20Is, he has been struggling. His strike rate is nothing compared to Ishan Kishan or anybody else. That's where Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson take over. Abhishek is a certainty, the No. 1 in the world. Sanju and Ishan add wicketkeeper-opening batter combination,” he added.

Particularly pleased was the former opener with the return of Ishan Kishan, who earned his place after an outstanding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season. Srikkanth commended Kishan for his heavy scoring in domestic cricket and thereby contributing to team success, saying his selection proves strong domestic performances are being rewarded. He felt that this comeback reflects value-based selection, not on reputation alone.

Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 fame Samyuktha Shan has officially tied the knot with former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer and well-known commentator Aniruddha Srikkanth, son of legendary Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth. The couple got married on November 27, 2025, in an intimate South Indian ceremony attended by close family members and a few friends. Soon after the rituals were completed, they shared their wedding photographs on Instagram in a joint post, captioned simply with the date and a ring and heart emoji, letting the pictures take centre stage.

The wedding visuals immediately went viral and drew admiration for their simplicity. Samyuktha looked radiant in a golden saree paired with traditional jewellery, minimal makeup, and a classic South Indian bridal aesthetic. Aniruddha matched her look with a gold-toned shirt and veshti, completing a graceful and culturally rooted ensemble. The couple appeared joyful and relaxed, and the intimate setting emphasised warmth, tradition, and togetherness rather than grandeur.

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From Coimbatore to cricketing circles, the couple’s journey meets at a happy milestone

Samyuktha, originally from Coimbatore, began her career in modelling before stepping into the film and television industry. She was crowned Miss Chennai in 2007 and eventually built a strong presence as an influencer, model, and actor. Her participation in Bigg Boss Tamil 4 brought her nationwide recognition, after which she appeared in films such as Varisu, Tughlaq Durbar, Madras Mafia Company, and My Dear Bhootham. This is her second marriage; she was previously married to businessman Karthik Shankar, with whom she shares a son named Rayan.

Actress #Samyuktha got married to #AniruddhaSrikanth today morning. Best wishes to the couple ♥️#Tamil #Tamilactress pic.twitter.com/HD4d2wu540

— Cine buff Sakthi 🎥 (@vimal2874293336) November 27, 2025

Aniruddha Srikkanth, 38, is a familiar face to cricket followers. A former opening batter for Tamil Nadu, he played for CSK in the early years of the Indian Premier League between 2008 and 2013. After his playing days, he transitioned into cricket commentary and has since become a respected voice in the sport. This is also his second marriage; he was earlier married to model and actor Arthi Venkatesh.

As soon as the couple posted their wedding pictures, the internet was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues, and celebrities. Their traditional and heartfelt ceremony has quickly become one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the season.

The former Indian opening batter, Kris Srikkanth, lauded the spinner of the Blue Brigade, Varun Chakravarthy, for another brilliant spell of bowling during the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia down under. During the fourth fixture in Gold Coast, the mystery spinner finished with 1/26 in four overs with the massive wicket of Glenn Maxwell. 

Srikkanth specifically pointed out the struggling battle of Maxwell, who was shaking in his boots at the thought of facing the Tamil Nadu spinner. The latter dismissed the Australia all-rounder for a record fifth time in T20s in just 33 deliveries as the right-handed batter gave himself room but couldn’t get it on the blade.

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“Glenn Maxwell shakes in his boots whenever Varun Chakaravarthy comes on to bowl. Varun picks up certain batters like a rabbit. Especially when he sees Maxwell, he gobbles him up like a piece of cake. The T20 World Cup is around the corner. So he doesn't have much time. He has to regain his form and get used to the No. 3 position.” Srikkanth expressed during a video on his YouTube channel.

Kris Srikkanth roasts Glenn Maxwell’s battle against Varun Chakravarthy during AUS vs IND 4th T20I  

India posted 167/8 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to small contributions from several batters in the line-up. In reply, the hosts were bundled out for just 119 runs as the three spinners- Varun, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar shared a combined figures of 6/42 in 9.2 overs.

“You cannot keep on shifting and rotating the order. There has to be a set order with the limited time before the World Cup. They escaped today, and the trial-and-error philosophy is fine for now. But at some point, there has to be a conclusion. Maybe from the South Africa series, as it's in India.” The former Indian opener reckoned.

“What I don't understand is that he is playing as a spin-bowling all-rounder. He is a spinner who can bat and not a batter who bowls spin. He first came into the Indian side for his spin-bowling, but only with his opening spells for Pune in the IPL. That's how Washington Sundar came into prominence.” Srikkanth reflected after the fourth T20I.

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has shared a strong opinion about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, saying that the franchise should release him instead of considering a trade. According to Srikkanth, Iyer’s performances over the last two IPL seasons have been disappointing, and no team would trade for him at his current value. He believes teams would prefer to buy him at a much lower price in the next auction.

The three-time IPL champions had secured Iyer for a massive INR 23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the 30-year-old failed to live up to expectations, scoring at an average of only 20.28 across 11 matches in the season. “He’s not a tradeable asset. He’ll be released. No team will trade for him and look to buy him. Instead, in the auction, he can be bought easily for Rs. 3 crores. The last two years he hasn’t been great. He only scored in the semi-final and final. Throughout the tournament, he didn’t score much. When he came into KKR, he was an explosive opening batter. His best position is opening,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth further added that Iyer’s inconsistency has cost him value as an IPL player, and KKR might need to look for fresh options to strengthen their top order in the upcoming season.

Srikkanth’s Advice to MI and SRH Before IPL 2026

Along with his comments on KKR, Srikkanth also suggested that Mumbai Indians (MI) should release Deepak Chahar ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The pacer, bought for INR 9.25 crore, struggled through the 2025 season, taking only 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.17. “MI should definitely release Deepak Chahar. He struggles to run or field. Half the time, he walks off the field unfit as well. Why will I keep him in the squad? MI is a set team as is,” Srikkanth said.

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The former Indian opener also spoke about Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and their South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen, who was bought for INR 23 crore, had a decent season with an average of over 44 but lacked consistency. “Why would you release Heinrich Klaasen? The year before, he only scored big for them. Last season, they messed with his batting position too much. He batted at 5 at times and played as a finisher after 16 overs a few times. Instead, they should let him bat at 3 from the 3rd over itself. And you don’t even have to give him any instructions, plus he’s still keeping superbly too. If you release him, then it’ll be difficult to get him back,” Srikkanth concluded.

The former Indian chief selector, Kris Srikkanth, has targeted the head coach of the national side, Gautam Gambhir, for the latter’s decision to demote Sanju Samson from the opening position to the middle-order. The veteran feels that Samson has been unlucky but optionless to bat wherever the team demands him due to the desired combination of the eleven.

The former Indian selector also took a step forward to comment that the management might start sending the wicket-keeper batter at number 11 as well in the future. Samson has smashed 993 runs in 42 T20I innings at an average of 26.13 and a strike rate of 147.98 with three fifties and three centuries at the best score of 111.

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“The most unlucky guy is Sanju Samson. He was scoring centuries as an opener. But now they send him everywhere — from No. 3 to No. 8. If given an opportunity, they may send him at No. 11 also! A person like Sanju will naturally feel bad after doing so well at the top, but he has no option but to be tight-lipped and bat wherever the team asks him to.” Srikkanth expressed this during a YouTube video.

Kris Srikkanth blames Gautam Gambhir for wrong batting position in AUS vs IND Canberra T20I

Samson didn’t enjoy a great time in the recent Asia Cup 2025, with just one half-century coming against Oman in Abu Dhabi. He also got 54 against Maharashtra during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash at the Green Park Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

Just before the start of the Canberra T20I of the five-match series, the right-handed batter opined that he would be happy to contribute in different roles from the opening position to the middle order of the line-up.

“To be honest, I have played a lot of different roles for a lot of different teams. I have been part of this team for a long time now and have done different roles. I have opened the batting. I have finished matches. Now, I am batting in the middle order. Only the openers are fixed in this team. The rest of the batters have to be ready to bat at any time and in any situation.” Samson addressed in an interaction.

The former Indian captain, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, has requested the BCCI selection committee to show full support to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the veterans, confidently, and stop doubting their future in ODI cricket. His remarks came after they experienced success with the ball decently during the three-match 50-over series against Australia down under.

Since the end of the IPL 2025, Rohit and Virat have not played any competitive cricket, and they were under pressure to deliver with the bat. The opening batter smashed a fine fifty during the second game at the Adelaide Oval and a century in the third clash in Sydney, while Kohli nailed an unbeaten 74 runs in Sydney after two ducks.

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“Ro-Ko set for 2027. Rohit, in my opinion, has to surely play the 2027 World Cup. Don't bring the age factor. Don't say 'he is touching 40, brushing 40, reaching 40'. Stop all these. He is fit, he is playing well, taking slip catches cleanly. What else do you want? He is scoring in every match. He played effortlessly in Sydney. It felt similar to the way he played in the 2019 World Cup. Yes, he didn't go to the sixth, seventh gear.” Srikkanth expressed on his YouTube channel.

Kris Srikkanth urges this to BCCI on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future

Rohit and Kohli‘s next assignment will now come during the home three-match ODI series against South Africa by the end of November. After that, they will face New Zealand for three 50-over clashes at home.

“Don't spook them. Don't instill fear. Leave them alone. I think you have to tell them that they are important to the team. Tell them to look after themselves. 'We will form the team around you. You two are very important. Please make sure you are fit enough. I think this should be the thought process and communication. If they do it this way, it will be good for Team India and the two players.” Srikkanth added.

“If I were the chairman of the selection committee, today itself I will go to them and say, 'Just be fit for the 2027 World Cup and win us the trophy.” The former BCCI chief selectors concluded.

The India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, came into the post-match press conference after the second Test of the two-match series against the West Indies, which they sealed by 2-0 after the seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He slammed the trolls, the young pacer of the Blue Brigade, Harshit Rana, faced for his consistent selection to the national side.

Rana made his international debut last year during the opening Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 before playing ODIs and T20Is in early 2025. He was also part of the Asia Cup 2025 and will be part of the white-ball series against Australia down under. However, he hasn’t been a consistent member of the eleven.

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“It's shameful that someone wanting to run his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old. If you want to target me, do it. I can handle it, but trolling a 23-year-old kid for YouTube views is shameful. Criticize me, I can handle it; he is just 23. It is not just him; it is about every young player.” Gambhir expressed during the post-match press conference in Delhi.

Gautam Gambhir slams trolls of Harshit Rana for ODI selection in Australia series

Rana has picked up 19 wickets in 11 innings across international cricket at an average of around 30, with the best of 3/31 during a 50-over encounter. The right-arm pacer also featured in the unofficial ODI game against the Australia A side, where he ended with figures of 3/61. Gambhir claimed that it’s a responsibility for others to look after the young players.

“Stop targeting them. I know it is important to perform, but you just can’t go after these kids. It is everyone’s moral responsibility to keep a check on this, you (media) and us.” Gambhir addressed the press conference.

Kris Srikkanth, the former opening batter of the Indian side, blasted the selection of the Delhi pacer for the national side. “Harshit Rana is a permanent because he is Gautam Gambhir's favourite. He is always a certainty and the first name on the team sheet after Shubman Gill.”

The former Indian chairman of the selection committee, Kris Srikkanth, has slammed the management’s decision to include the medium pacer, Harshit Rana, in their ODI squad for the trip to Australia, which starts two weeks later. The opening contest will take place on October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Rana was also part of the Asia Cup 2025 squad and featured in one of the games when the management decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for a couple of games. Srikkanth, along with Sanju Samson’s absence, also highlights Rana’s inclusion in the squad.

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“By making such selections constantly, they are confusing the players themselves. We aren't sure every day what the selection will be. Suddenly, Yashasvi Jaiswal is there, and then the next minute, he won't be there. There is only one permanent member - Harshit Rana. Nobody knows why he is on the team. By chopping and changing all the time, they'll dent the confidence of the players.” Kris Srikkanth expressed in a video on his YouTube channel.

Kris Srikkanth criticizes Harshit Rana’s inclusion in India’s squad for Australia ODIs

Srikkanth expressed concerns about the selection process for the future events. Rana’s career began during the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2 when he claimed four wickets in two games before playing the home series against England in ODIs and the following Champions Trophy 2025.

“You should start building towards the 2027 World Cup. But I feel they've not. If you pick Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy among the probabilities, then you can wave goodbye to the trophy. Harshit Rana does too many filmy gimmicks. All these filmy reactions aren't of any use, you've to actually bowl well. He does all these filmy reactions in the IPL as well.” The former Indian chief selectors remarked in the video.

“This is not a good attitude; it's just showboating. He drives after the ball is already past him. Why dive after the goal has already been scored? Aggression is different, but showboating so much at a young age is why he got punished today.” Kris Srikkanth concluded.

Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Pakistan have no chance of winning against Team India in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, September 28. India have beaten Pakistan in their last four T20I games, including twice in this tournament.

India are in great T20I form, winning 35 of their last 38 matches. But they struggled in their last Super Four match against Sri Lanka and won only in a Super Over.

Giving his prediction for the India-Pakistan final on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said (21:50):

"I won’t give Pakistan even a 1% chance. You may ask what happened against Sri Lanka and how India almost lost. Don’t forget Jasprit Bumrah did not play that match. And Harshit Rana, who is an average bowler, played. He is just a film bowler. The Sri Lankan batters got confidence only after hitting him. There is a big difference between Bumrah and Harshit Rana."

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Srikkanth says India will crush Pakistan

Former opener Kris Srikkanth believes India will beat Pakistan easily in the Asia Cup 2025 final, even if star batter Abhishek Sharma does not score.

"India will absolutely clobber Pakistan. Yes, Abhishek Sharma is the main man for India. But people ask me what will happen if he fails. Even if he fails tomorrow, we have Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma in good form. They can score runs," said Srikkanth.

He also added: "Pakistan are playing with Shaheen Afridi as their main batter. Even if Abhishek fails, Pakistan has no chance. But I don’t see Abhishek getting out early unless he throws his wicket away."

Abhishek Sharma has been the batter of the tournament with 309 runs in six matches. He averages over 51 and has a strike rate of 204.63.

Srikkanth on Bumrah’s bowling

Kris Srikkanth also spoke about India’s use of Jasprit Bumrah. He feels Bumrah should not bowl three overs in the powerplay.

"Bumrah has to be used in a 2+1+1 way. Two overs in the powerplay, then the 11th over, and then the 19th or 20th over. He should not bowl three in the powerplay. The problem is India play only two pacers, so they fear giving spinners the ball in the powerplay," Srikkanth said.

He added: "Against Pakistan, India should give the ball to spinners early. I don’t trust Axar Patel much in the powerplay compared to Kuldeep and Varun, because Axar bowls flat. But Axar can also get a wicket, as Pakistan may try to slog him. The theory that left-arm spinners can’t bowl to left-handers is wrong. Axar has taken many left-handers out in his career."

Bumrah has not been at his best in this Asia Cup, but he still has five wickets in four matches with an average of 22 and an economy of 7.33.