Sat Jan 10 03:20:00 UTC 2026: ### India and New Zealand Gear Up for ODI Series Opener in Vadodara
The Story:
The Indian and New Zealand cricket teams are set to begin their One Day International (ODI) series, with the first match scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Vadodara. The article outlines the expected playing eleven for India, highlighting key batting positions and bowling options. The focus is on the strategic team composition and player selections for this crucial series opener.
Key Points:
- The first ODI match between India and New Zealand will be held on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara.
- The expected opening batting pair for India is Shubman Gill (Captain) and Rohit Sharma.
- Virat Kohli is slated to bat at number three, followed by Shreyas Iyer at number four.
- KL Rahul is expected to play as the wicketkeeper-batsman at number five, keeping Rishabh Pant on the bench.
- Ravindra Jadeja is likely to play as an all-rounder at number six.
- The seventh batting position is contested between Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, with Sundar currently favored.
- The pace bowling attack is expected to consist of Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.
- Kuldeep Yadav is expected to be the leading spinner, supported by all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
- Key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel are not available, focusing on upcoming T20 series and the World Cup.
Key Takeaways:
- India is prioritizing experience at the top of the order with Gill and Sharma.
- The middle order is being solidified with the inclusion of Kohli, Iyer, and Rahul.
- Absence of key players like Bumrah and Pandya opens up opportunities for younger talents in the bowling department.
- The selection between Sundar and Reddy highlights the importance of adaptability based on pitch conditions.
- This series serves as a crucial preparation ground for the upcoming T20 series and the World Cup, allowing the team to experiment with different combinations.
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