India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026: Rohit, Kohli and a Historic Vadodara Debut.
Ro-Ko Return! India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Preview: Predicted XIs, Pitch Report and Where to Watch. Vadodara, Sunday 11 January 2026 | Kotambi Stadium (Baroda Cricket Association Stadium).
India begin their 2026 international calendar with the first of three ODIs against New Zealand, a day-night game at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. The venue is hosting its first men’s international, so there is a real sense of occasion. All eyes are on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the “Ro-Ko” duo, as India build towards the 2027 World Cup. (Update: India won this match by four wickets. Read our full match report.)
Match Details and Where to Watch
Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
Toss: 1:00 pm IST
First ball: 1:30 pm IST
TV: Star Sports Network
Streaming: JioHotstar and other digital platforms
Pre-Match Build-Up: All Eyes on Ro-Ko
Rohit and Kohli return to ODI cricket after a short break, with both in strong form. Kohli topped India’s ODI run charts in 2025 with 651 runs in 13 innings at an average above 65, including multiple centuries, and he scored 302 runs in three matches against South Africa. Rohit was close behind with around 650 runs in 14 ODIs.
Rohit’s aggressive starts in the powerplay and Kohli’s calm anchoring in chases are the two things India will lean on most. Fans are hoping for big partnerships and a statement start to the year.
India’s Squad and Leadership
India enter as strong favourites with a near full-strength squad. Shubman Gill returns to ODI leadership after injury, with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the series with a rib injury, so KL Rahul keeps wicket and Dhruv Jurel provides cover.
The squad also includes Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and emerging talents Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.
Predicted India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar / Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand’s Challenge
New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, are fielding a revamped, second-string side with several stars missing. Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are the key names, with Mitchell Santner a possible inclusion if fit.
Probable New Zealand XI: Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Josh Clarkson, Kyle Jamieson, plus spin options such as Adithya Ashok.
Pitch and Conditions at Kotambi Stadium
The pitch is expected to be good for batting, with early bounce for the quicks and some grip for the spinners later on. Dew under lights could make bowling harder in the second innings, which may favour the side chasing. The forecast is clear with no rain expected, so a full match is likely.
Key Battles to Watch (new)
Rohit v Jamieson: Rohit’s powerplay aggression against the tall seamer’s bounce could set the tone for the chase or the defence.
Kohli v New Zealand’s spinners: Kohli’s ability to rotate strike through the middle overs is often the foundation of an Indian chase.
India’s pacers v New Zealand’s middle order: With a depleted visiting top order, Mitchell and Phillips will need to rebuild if early wickets fall.
Dew and the toss: Whoever wins it may prefer to chase, which makes the toss a quiet but important factor.
Historical Context and What to Expect
India have a strong ODI record against New Zealand, particularly at home, and a winning start to the series would build momentum. With a World Cup year approaching, the selectors will also be watching Gill’s captaincy, Iyer’s return and the pace attack closely.
The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 promises to be an electrifying start to India's international cricket calendar this year. Scheduled as a day-night encounter on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the historic Kotambi Stadium (also known as BCA Stadium) in Vadodara, Gujarat, this match marks the venue's debut as a host for men's international cricket.
The excitement is palpable, with the stadium ready to witness its first-ever men's ODI under lights.
Here are some stunning visuals of the venue itself:
The toss is set for 1:00 PM IST, with the match beginning at 1:30 PM IST. Live coverage is available on Star Sports Network, with streaming options on JioHotstar and other digital platforms.
Pre-Match Build-Up: All Eyes on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Ro-Ko)
The spotlight shines brightest on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the legendary duo affectionately dubbed "Ro-Ko." After a brief break from ODIs, they return in prime form, having dominated limited-overs cricket in 2025 and domestic tournaments. Their performances set high expectations for explosive starts, anchoring innings, and record-breaking feats as India gears up for the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit, known for his aggressive opening style, has been in scintillating touch. Here's one of his iconic batting moments:
Cricket World Cup: Like Nadal on clay, Rohit Sharma finds comfort ...
Virat Kohli, the chase master, continues to deliver consistency and flair:
Virat Kohli hit record 50th ODI century at Cricket World Cup | AP News
In 2025, Kohli topped India's ODI run charts with 651 runs across 13 innings at an average above 65, including multiple centuries. Rohit wasn't far behind, scoring around 650 runs in 14 ODIs at a strong average. Their recent form, including standout performances against South Africa (where Kohli amassed 302 runs in three matches), makes them pivotal to India's strategy.
Fans are buzzing about another Ro-Ko masterclass, potentially featuring big partnerships and fireworks in the powerplay or middle overs.
India enters as overwhelming favorites with a near full-strength squad under Shubman Gill's captaincy. Gill returns to ODI leadership post-injury, backed by vice-captain Shreyas Iyer. The team has a setback with Rishabh Pant ruled out for the series due to a rib injury, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper.
Key players include KL Rahul (wicketkeeper-batter), Ravindra Jadeja (all-rounder), Kuldeep Yadav (spinner), Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh (pacers), and emerging talents like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.
Here's a glimpse of captain Shubman Gill in action:
Meet the New ODI Captain of the Indian Cricket Team
Predicted India Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma
Shubman Gill (c)
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer (vc)
KL Rahul (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar / Nitish Kumar Reddy
Harshit Rana
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand's Challenge
Led by Michael Bracewell, New Zealand fields a revamped, second-string side missing several stars. Standouts include Devon Conway (wicketkeeper-batter), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and all-rounders like Mitchell Santner (if available).
Conway, a reliable opener, will be crucial for the Kiwis:
Devon Conway Makes History, Becomes 1st New Zealand Batter To ...
Probable New Zealand XI:
Devon Conway (wk)
Will Young
Henry Nicholls / similar
Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips
Michael Bracewell (c)
Josh Clarkson / others
Kyle Jamieson
Others including spinners like Aditya Ashok
Pitch and Conditions at Kotambi Stadium
The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, offering good bounce early for pacers and grip for spinners later—especially with dew playing a role under lights. Weather is clear, with no rain threats, ensuring a full match.
The stadium's modern facilities and scenic setup add to the occasion:
Kotambi International Stadium ready to host West Indies women: Has ...
Historical Context and Expectations
India holds a dominant record against New Zealand in ODIs, particularly at home. The series opener is crucial for building momentum, with Ro-Ko's form likely to dictate proceedings. Key highlights to watch:
Rohit's powerplay aggression
Kohli's anchoring and chases
Gill and Iyer's returns
As the match approaches (pre-match phase building toward the toss), expect fireworks from the Indian batting lineup and a dominant performance to kick off 2026 on a high.
For real-time ball-by-ball updates, full scorecard, and commentary, check ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, or NDTV Sports.
Who's your pick to shine brightest today—Rohit, Kohli, or perhaps Gill? Drop your thoughts! 🇮🇳🏏🇳🇿
FAQ
When is the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026?It is on Sunday, 11 January 2026. The toss is at 1:00 pm IST and the first ball at 1:30 pm IST.
Where is the match being played?
At Kotambi Stadium (Baroda Cricket Association Stadium) in Vadodara, Gujarat, which is hosting its first men’s international.
Where can I watch it live?
On the Star Sports Network on TV, and on JioHotstar and other digital platforms for streaming.
Who is captaining India and New Zealand?
Shubman Gill captains India, with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. Michael Bracewell leads New Zealand.
Is Rishabh Pant playing?
No. He is ruled out of the series with a rib injury, and KL Rahul keeps wicket with Dhruv Jurel as cover.
What is the pitch like at Kotambi Stadium?
It should be good for batting, with early bounce for pacers, grip for spinners later and dew under lights.
Who won the match?
India won by four wickets. See our full match report for details.
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