IND vs NZ, 1st ODI Preview: Champions Trophy finalists face off in shadow of T20 World Cup euphoria

It is a face-off between the top two teams in the ICC ODI rankings. It is also a repeat of the Champions Trophy final. Not too long ago, a three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand would have been among the most anticipated contest on the international calendar.

But in a T20-driven cricketing landscape, the series has struggled for relevance. With the countdown to the Men’s T20 World Cup already underway, bilateral ODI series are no longer accorded the same significance. In fact, they are often weighed almost at par with domestic performances when it comes to Test selection across the globe. Still, there is more to India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on Sunday, than just the Ro-Ko euphoria.

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For starters, both the captain and vice-captain are returning from injury layoffs. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have points to prove after being overlooked for the T20 World Cup. Gill missed out at the last minute despite being the vice-captain in the lead-up, while Shreyas has increasingly been bracketed as an ODI specialist over the past couple of years.

Unsurprisingly, they were among the seven batters who had an extended workout at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Gill missed the remainder of the South Africa tour after suffering a neck spasm in the series opener, while Shreyas is set to return after recovering from an abdominal tear sustained in Australia last October. Both will be eager to make an impact as men’s international cricket returns to Vadodara after a 15-year hiatus.

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Besides Gill and Shreyas, Mohammed Siraj will also be keen to find his rhythm after being rested for the South Africa series. While Virat Kohli took it easy, alongside the bowlers, Rohit Sharma turned up for a brief batting session. Rishabh Pant, who took a blow to the abdomen during net practice, will be hoping to get an opportunity at some stage during the series.

While India will look to maintain its formidable home record, New Zealand will rely heavily on youth. With Mitchell Santner set to join the squad for the subsequent T20I series, all-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead a young side.

Experienced campaigners such as Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Kyle Jamieson will need to guide an inexperienced group if the visitors are to challenge an ODI powerhouse on its own turf. Pacer Kristian Clarke is set to make his international debut on Sunday.

Published on Jan 10, 2026