India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Preview: Series Opener Sets the Tone in Vadodara
India and New Zealand begin their 2026 international calendar with the first One Day International at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara. The contest marks the opening chapter of a closely watched series between two sides that enjoyed strong ODI campaigns last year.
The hosts enter the series with confidence following a successful run in limited-overs cricket, while New Zealand arrive eager to challenge India on familiar subcontinental conditions. With new leadership roles and several players in form, the opening match promises a competitive contest.
Match Information
| Match | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI |
| Series | New Zealand Tour of India 2026 |
| Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara |
Pitch Report – Baroda Cricket Association Stadium
The Vadodara surface is expected to favour batters, particularly in the early stages of the innings when the ball comes nicely onto the bat. As the match progresses, the pitch is likely to slow down, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the game.
Teams batting first may look to post a strong total and apply pressure during the chase.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Warm afternoon conditions |
| Rain | No interruption expected |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 120 |
| India Wins | 62 |
| New Zealand Wins | 50 |
| No Result | 8 |
Probable Playing XIs
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand
Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (captain), Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Michael Rae, Jayden Lennox
Toss Impact
The toss could play a key role at this venue. Captains may prefer batting first to take advantage of a fresh surface and avoid chasing once the pitch begins to slow. A solid first-innings total is likely to place the chasing side under pressure.
First Innings and Powerplay Projection
| Phase | Expected Score |
|---|---|
| Powerplay Overs | 62+ |
| First Innings Total | 282+ |
Players to Watch
Virat Kohli remains a key figure in India’s batting line-up, offering consistency and experience in the middle order.
Kyle Jamieson’s ability to generate bounce and movement could be crucial for New Zealand, particularly with the new ball.
Dream11 Fantasy Team – IND vs NZ 1st ODI
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | KL Rahul |
| Batters | Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Daryl Mitchell (VC) |
| All-rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Michael Bracewell |
| Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh |
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
| Category | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Virat Kohli |
| Vice-Captain | Daryl Mitchell |
Dream11 Team Combination
| Player Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | 1 |
| Batters | 4 |
| All-rounders | 2 |
| Bowlers | 4 |
Disclaimer: Fantasy teams are based on pitch conditions and player form. Make final changes after the toss.
Match Prediction
India’s depth in batting, familiarity with home conditions, and balanced bowling attack give them an advantage in the series opener. If they execute their plans effectively, the hosts are well placed to start the series on a winning note.
Predicted Winner: Team India (IND)
Disclaimer: This match preview and prediction are based on analysis of pitch conditions, team composition, and recent performances. Readers are advised to make their own informed decisions.
