It will be set from January 2026 on to what will be the most anticipated 3-match One-Day International involving big four: India and New Zealand that will form a new-age battle: India vs. New Zealand. In this series, both sides' attempts to kick off a good start to the new year will be thrillingly successful.
Here’s your complete introduction of the first ODI.
Match Details.
- Event: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI.
- Date: January 18, 2026.
- Time: 1:30 PM IST (08:00 AM GMT).
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Squads
Both teams have shown that they have got strong squads, with veterans and relatively young talent on board.
India ODI Squad:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan (WK), Umran Malik, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
New Zealand ODI Squad:
Kane Williamson (Captain), Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Kyle Jamieson, Mark Chapman, Will Young. Expected XI Playing the 1st ODI
India: Predicted Playing XI for 1st ODI
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
The Indian team will head towards a team side, one with a balanced style, with a strong top order and a multi-faceted bowling response. The addition of three pacers and two spinners is crucial on Eden Gardens’ traditional spin-compatible pitch.
New Zealand: Predicted Playing XI for 1st ODI
- Finn Allen
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson (C)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Lockie Ferguson
- Trent Boult
- Ish Sodhi
New Zealand will probably be able to depend on their powerful opening pair and the middle order experience of Kane Williamson. Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson will pound in a bowling attack which will aim to play any swing / seam movement early on in their bow.
Head-to-Head (ODI)
There is a long history in the One-Day Internationals of India and New Zealand where they have given us some memorable contests. Their interactions have always been high competitiveness and this series will surely not be an exception.
Key Player Battles To Watch
- Virat Kohli vs Trent Boult The game of India's run-machine versus New Zealand's swing maestro.
- Jasprit Bumrah vs Kane Williamson: India’s death bowling guru versus New Zealand’s stalwart.
- Shubman Gill vs. Lockie Ferguson: A match between bang and speed. It’s a good start to the 2026 cricketing schedule – if even better. Eden Gardens has an entertaining action to bring to cricket fans around the world.
