Sun Jan 11 08:10:00 UTC 2026: # India Opts to Bowl First in First ODI Against New Zealand, Rishabh Pant Ruled Out Due to Injury

The Story:
India has chosen to bowl first after winning the toss in the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. This match marks the beginning of the series, with both teams eager to secure a win. However, India faces a setback as wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the series due to injury. Shubman Gill returns to the team after missing the ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury sustained during the Test matches. Shreyas Iyer, the ODI vice-captain, also makes a comeback.

Key Points:

  • India won the toss and chose to bowl first.
  • Rishabh Pant is out of the series due to injury.
  • Shubman Gill returns to the team after recovering from a neck injury.
  • Shreyas Iyer is back in the ODI squad.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a century in the third ODI against South Africa, has been dropped to accommodate Gill’s return.
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad is replaced by Shreyas Iyer.
  • Arshdeep Singh is not included in the playing XI.
  • India’s pace attack consists of Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Siraj.
  • Christian Clark makes his ODI debut for New Zealand.
  • Dhruv Jurel will replace the injured Rishabh Pant, according to an announcement by the BCCI before the first ODI.

Key Takeaways:

  • India’s decision to bowl first suggests confidence in their pace attack and a strategy to chase a target.
  • Rishabh Pant’s absence is a significant blow to the Indian batting lineup and alters the team’s balance.
  • The return of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer strengthens the batting order but necessitates tough selection decisions, leading to Jaiswal’s exclusion.
  • New Zealand will be aiming for a strong performance from debutant Christian Clark.

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