![Gill, Rohit and Kohli will play key roles for IND vs NZ [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768029559459_IndiaplayingXIfor1stODIvsNZ(1).jpg?type=hq)
Gill, Rohit and Kohli will play key roles for IND vs NZ [Source: AFP]
On Sunday, January 11, India will cross swords against New Zealand in the first ODI of the upcoming three-match series. The high-voltage clash will be played at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara and commence at 1.30 PM IST and local time.
The first ODI against New Zealand will mark Indian captain Shubman Gill's return to competitive cricket after missing the South Africa series due to a neck injury. Apart from the stylish Punjab batter, India will rely on the veteran duo of Virat Kohli, KL and Rohit Sharma as well as Shreyas Iyer, who is slated to play his first international game following a devastating spleen injury during the Australia tour.
As the Men in Blue prepare for the series opener in Vadodara, let's analyse and find out their probable playing combination for the first ODI against New Zealand.
Shubman Gill to open with Rohit Sharma; Virat Kohli to bat at 3
Indian ODI captain Shubman Gill will open the batting for the hosts alongside his long-term partner and former skipper Rohit Sharma. Gill and Rohit form India's fourth most successful opening pair in ODIs, having amassed 2223 runs, including 20 fifty-plus stands, at an average of 65.38.
Rohit was sublime with the bat in 2025, scoring 650 runs at an average of 50 across 14 innings. Meanwhile, Gill has been prolific as an ODI batter (2818 runs in 58 innings) and his partnership with his captaincy predecessor will be significant from India's perspective.
On the other hand, the in-form Virat Kohli, who followed up a breakthrough home series against South Africa with two consecutive memorable Vijay Hazare Trophy outings, will bat at three for the Indian team. Kohli struck 302 runs in just three innings against South Africa and would like to sustain his purple patch during the BlackCaps challenge.
Shreyas Iyer back at 4; No Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul to keep wickets
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 43 |
| Runs | 1893 |
| Average | 51.16 |
| Strike Rate | 98.24 |
(Shreyas Iyer's record at number 4 in ODIs)
As evidenced by the above stats, Shreyas Iyer has shone brightly at number four for India in ODIs. Statistically, the right-hander has amassed 1893 runs at an average of 51.16 and a strike rate of 98.24. Considering he is coming off an injury layoff, it'll be interesting to see if Shreyas Iyer gives his best against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, India will likely continue their experiment of having an allrounder at number five. Despite KL Rahul's stunning record at number five (1365 runs in 32 innings, average: 59.35), the Gautam Gambhir-led think tank has mostly slotted the batter at six, creating a space for a second allrounder in Hardik Pandya's absence.
In such a scenario, despite not living up to the expectations, either Washington Sundar or Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely get an entry as Axar Patel's replacement in the Indian playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand.
Considering India are likely to persist with KL Rahul as their keeper-batter, Rishabh Pant is expected to warm the bench in the first ODI against New Zealand. India's tendency to go with one wicket-keeping candidate and make space for six bowling options will likely shut the door for Pant, who played his last ODI back in August, 2024.
Siraj to lead India's bowling attack with Harshit, Arshdeep and Kuldeep
With Ravindra Jadeja likely to bat at number seven and play as India's first-choice allrounder, the hosts could add batting depth by including Harshit Rana as their number eight player in the ODI series opener against New Zealand. Rana has been a proven wicket-taking option for the Men in Blue, adding ten scalps to his tally in his last six ODI outings.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the experienced Mohammed Siraj will likely spearhead India's pace attack with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav is the frontrunner to play as India's frontline spinner with Ravindra Jadeja in the first ODI against New Zealand.
India's likely playing XI for 1st ODI vs NZ: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
.jpg?type=mq "Pant walks gingerly")
