India vs New Zealand ODI series kicks off today, Kohli and Rohit in focus

India will look to begin their three-match ODI series on a winning note as the full-strength hosts take on a new-look New Zealand side at the new Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi today. The first match starts at 1:30 pm IST .

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma , who are expected to lead India’s charge with their prime form. Both players have enjoyed ample game-time recently, featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy league round and piling up big runs, signalling that their hunger and class remain undiminished.

For India captain Shubman Gill , this series is an important platform to bounce back after missing out on the T20 World Cup squad and struggling with form and injuries in late 2025. Gill’s return is likely to push Yashasvi Jaiswal down the batting order, despite Jaiswal scoring his maiden ODI century against South Africa in the last series. Meanwhile, the comeback of Shreyas Iyer is expected to restore stability at No. 4, ending a phase of experimental batting combinations.

KL Rahul will continue in a lower-order role as a wicketkeeper-batter, which keeps Rishabh Pant out of the XI in the 50-over format. Ravindra Jadeja trained at full intensity on Friday, signalling his availability, while Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are being rested ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pace duties will fall on Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna , with spin handled by Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav , and Washington Sundar in conditions favouring containment over aggressive wicket-taking.

For New Zealand, the series offers a chance to test new talent, with several frontline players unavailable. Mitchell Santner misses out with a groin injury, Tom Latham is at home for the birth of his first child, and former captain Kane Williamson is in South Africa for the SA20. Michael Bracewell will captain in Santner’s absence, while Kyle Jamieson and young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok will be key players to watch. Despite a largely inexperienced squad, the Black Caps boast a strong batting line-up, featuring Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips .

This will mark the first time Kotambi hosts a men’s international match, having previously hosted a women’s ODI series. New Zealand, despite missing several frontline stars, are expected to stick to their mantra: “you are where your feet are,” focusing on each moment rather than the challenges ahead.

India squad:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.

New Zealand squad:

Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway (wk), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.