The cricketing world is ready for a blockbuster as India vs New Zealand (IND vs NZ) kicks off at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. The India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026 begins with a high-voltage encounter where India will look to dominate on home soil, while a confident New Zealand cricket team arrives after winning their last five ODI matches.
IND vs NZ Match Information
Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Date: 11 January 2026
Time: 1:30 PM IST
IND vs NZ Live Streaming & Telecast
Live Streaming: JioHotstar App & Website
Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
Pitch Report – Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Kotambi Stadium has quickly become one of India’s best batting surfaces with strong help for fast bowlers.
- Average Score: 270
- Pacers’ Wickets: 47
- Spinners’ Wickets: 25
The new ball swings, making Siraj, Arshdeep and Jamieson dangerous, while dew later in the match helps batters while chasing.
Weather Report – India vs New Zealand
- Temperature: 26°C dropping to 15°C
- Humidity: Moderate
- Rain: None
- Dew: Expected in second innings
Teams chasing will enjoy better batting conditions.
India Probable XI
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand Probable XI
Devon Conway (WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Josh Clarkson, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok, Michael Rae
Key Players – India
- KL Rahul – Reliable wicketkeeper-batter, strong ODI average
- Virat Kohli – Big-match performer vs New Zealand
- Shubman Gill – In form and leading India
- Mohammed Siraj – Deadly with new ball
- Kuldeep Yadav – Middle-overs wicket-taker
Key Players – New Zealand
- Daryl Mitchell – 219 runs in last 5 matches
- Devon Conway – Consistent opener
- Josh Clarkson – 16 wickets in recent matches
- Kyle Jamieson – Bounce & seam threat
- Glenn Phillips – Powerful all-rounder
Best Fantasy Picks – IND vs NZ
Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul, Devon Conway Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Daryl Mitchell All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Josh Clarkson, Kyle Jamieson
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Safe Picks
- Daryl Mitchell
- KL Rahul
High-Risk High-Reward
- Josh Clarkson
- Mohammed Siraj
Fantasy Strategy – IND vs NZ
- Pick more fast bowlers
- Prefer top-order batters
- Chasing team gets advantage due to dew
- Avoid finger spinners late in the match
Disclaimer
This preview is based on player form, pitch stats and publicly available information. Final playing XIs may change after the toss. Please check official updates before creating fantasy teams.