India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Kohli & Sharma Return as Series Begins in Vadodara
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The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand kicks off on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara, marking the venue’s first men’s international match. The return of star batsmen virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma injects fresh energy into the Indian lineup as they prepare to face a revamped New Zealand team.
Series Schedule and Venues
The series will unfold across three prominent Indian cricket venues. Following the Vadodara opener, the second ODI is scheduled for January 14 at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, culminating in the final match on January 18 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Injury Concerns and Key Player Returns
A shadow of concern hangs over the Indian camp with news of Rishabh Pant sustaining a blow above the waist during a training session on Saturday. The incident occurred during a throwdown practice in Vadodara, raising questions about his availability for the match.
However,the series also marks a significant return for India skipper Shubman Gill,who will be eager to make his mark after being excluded from the T20 World Cup squad. His leadership and batting prowess will be crucial as India aims to establish dominance in the series.
Match Details and Broadcast Data
The first ODI is set to begin with the toss at 1:00 PM IST, followed by the live stream commencing at 1:30 PM IST. Cricket fans can catch all the action live on the jiohotstar app and website, as well as through a telecast on the Star Sports network.
Pitch and Weather Report
Details regarding the pitch report for the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium are anticipated to provide insights into the expected playing conditions for the India vs new Zealand 1st ODI. Information on how the pitch and weather will play will be crucial for team strategies.
The upcoming series promises a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses, with the Vadodara encounter setting the stage for an exciting chapter in India-New Zealand cricket rivalry.
