New Zealand playing XI vs India - (Source: AFP)
On Saturday, January 10, the much-awaited three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will kickstart at the Vadodara International Stadium in Gujarat. The Kiwis will return to India for an ODI series for the first time in three years, and a lot has changed since their last visit in 2023.
Michael Bracewell will lead the side but New Zealand cricket has decided to play the second-string squad in the ODIs as Kane Williamson misses out. Experienced campaigners in Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Will Young and Kyle Jamieson will also be available at Bracewell's disposal.
New Zealand vs India 1st ODI Preview
India are fresh off a series win against South Africa. The Men in Blue have recieved a huge boost as their regular skipper Shubman Gill has returned to the side recovering from his injury. However, the Men in Blue are without Ruturaj Gaikwad, who misses out on a spot because of Gill's return.
New Zealand, on the other hand, were dealing with a few injury issues, but have players fit for the India series and will field a strong playing XI for the first ODI. Therefore, this article will shed light on New Zealand’s probable playing XI for the 1st ODI against India.
New Zealand's squad for India ODIs
Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young.
New Zealand Playing XI vs India - 1st ODI
Openers and Top Order - (Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Latham)
As mentioned above, New Zealand have named a second-string squad. The Kiwis are without Rachin Ravindra and Will Young is expected to open the innings in his absence. Devon Conway will open the proceddings for the Kiwis from the other end.
Talking about the stats, Conway had a great ODI series against West Indies, where he amassed 150 runs in three innings. Meanwhile, Young has also opened the innings on 37 occasions in his ODI career, having 1294 runs, averaging 36 as an opener.
Tom Latham is expected to bat at top of the order and might be pushed to No.3 slot. He can also open the innings alongside Conway and Young pushed back to No.3. In a nutshell, the Kiwis have a lot of option at the top-order.
Middle Order and All Rounders (Glenn Phillips,Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson)
Glenn Phillips will return to bat at No.4 Interstingly, Phillips is now practicising batting with his left-hand. At present, Phillips is playing in Super Smash, where he has amassed 114 runs in two innings, averaging 114.00.
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell has recovered from his injury and the playing XI cannot be made without his presence. Mitchell had a great 2025, where he amassed 761 runs and wa 2025's second-leading run-getter in ODIs.
Skipper Michael Bracewell is expected to bat at No.6 and Josh Clarkson will replace Mitchell Santner in the team for the role of a bowling all-rounder.
Bowlers (Adi Ashok , Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Rae)
New Zealand have rested most of their primary bowlers. The bowling unit will be spearheaded by Kyle Jamieson. The Kiwis will miss Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry, two most successful bowlers for New Zealand in 2025.
In the absence of Matt Henry, Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae will look after the bowling attack alongside Adi Ashok.
New Zealand Playing XI vs India - 1st ODI
Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips,Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Adi Ashok , Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Rae
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