India’s men’s cricket team returns to ODI action with a three match series against New Zealand starting January 11. You will see India play its first 50 over match after a month long break, marking a fresh phase in the team’s white ball journey.
Gill Set to Lead After Injury Return
You will watch Shubman Gill lead the ODI side after recovering from a neck injury. Named captain in October 2025, Gill steps in at a key moment as India looks to settle leadership and combinations ahead of major tournaments.
Venues and Schedule Confirmed
You can follow the ODIs in Vadodara on January 11, Rajkot on January 14, and Indore on January 18. The BCCI is set to announce the squad on January 3 after an online meeting led by selector Ajit Agarkar.
India’s Recent ODI Form
You last saw India play an ODI series in early December 2025 in South Africa. That series ended in a win under the leadership of KL Rahul, giving the team confidence heading into this home assignment.
Senior Players Likely to Be Rested
You may not see Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in this series as reports suggest rest is planned. Vice captain Shreyas Iyer remains in rehabilitation and is expected to return once fully fit.
Young Players in the Spotlight
You will see competition among Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel as backup wicketkeepers. Ishan Kishan is also in line to open as a stand in option, adding flexibility to the batting order.
Possible Recalls and Omissions
You could see Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Shami back in the ODI setup. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to miss out as selectors focus on balance and workload.
World Cup Preparation in Focus
You should view this series as a testing ground for bench strength ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. It allows India to fine tune combinations while managing player fitness for the long season ahead.
What the Series Means for Fans
You can expect competitive cricket and leadership experimentation against New Zealand. The series gives young players a clear chance to step up as India returns to 50 over cricket on home soil.
