The curtain rises for a high drama clash as India gears up to take on New Zealand in the 3rd and Final ODI of the series. At a crucial moment in the series, both teams head to the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on what’s expected to be a blockbuster finale on January 18, 2026.
Match Overview
India has had dominant home form, but the resilience of the Black Caps makes them tough competitors in the 50-over setting. Now that movement has been made to the world’s largest cricket stadium, both pitch conditions and dew factor will likely be enormous contributors to the final outcome.
- Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM IST (Toss at 1:00 PM)
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar (Live Streaming)
Squads for the 3rd ODI
Team India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, & Mukesh Kumar.
Team New Zealand: Tom Latham (C & WK), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman.
Predicted Playing XI
India:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (C & WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Tim Southee
- Ish Sodhi
- Lockie Ferguson
Pitch and Weather Report
The Ahmedabad track is known as a “sporting” wicket. Originally, it has been useful to the pacers for bouncing, but with the game’s progress, it becomes a batter’s paradise. Because it’s a day-night encounter in January, dew will probably determine the captain’s choice at the toss, tilting it toward the side that bats second. The weather is expected to be clear with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 28°C.
What to Watch Out For
Virat Kohli’s Form: Following the strong start to the season, Kohli will be preparing to officially complete the series with a signature century at one of his favorite venues.
Rachin Ravindra’s All-round Play: Ravindra has played extensively in India and is the strongest opponent for the Indian spin attack.
Bumrah vs Conway: Jasprit Bumrah’s opening spell against the deadly Devon Conway might define the powerplay phase.
