As the new year gets rolling, Indian cricket fans have plenty to look forward to. Team India is set to host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series in January 2026, kicking off the white-ball season with a contest that blends fresh leadership, returning superstars and a glimpse into the teams’ World Cup thinking.
More than just another bilateral series, these ODIs offer a testing ground for combinations and form, with both sides eyeing consistency and depth ahead of major ICC events later in the year.
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A fresh start with familiar faces
The series will run from January 11 to January 18, with all three matches played across different Indian cities. India will be led by Shubman Gill, marking another step in the youngster’s rise as a leader at the international level. While a few senior names were initially expected to be rested, the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds experience and star power to the lineup.
New Zealand, meanwhile, arrive under the captaincy of Michael Bracewell. Known for their calm and methodical approach, the Kiwis once again look like a side capable of punching above their weight, even in challenging Indian conditions.
Full India vs New Zealand ODI series schedule (2026)
1st ODI
• Date: January 11, 2026
• Venue: BCA Stadium, Vadodara
• Toss: 1:00 PM IST
• Match start: 1:30 PM IST
2nd ODI
• Date: January 14, 2026
• Venue: Rajkot
• Toss: 1:00 PM IST
• Match start: 1:30 PM IST
3rd ODI
• Date: January 18, 2026
• Venue: Indore
• Toss: 1:00 PM IST
• Match start: 1:30 PM IST
A special highlight is the series opener in Vadodara, which will host its first-ever men’s international match, making it a memorable occasion for local fans.
Venues to watch: Runs, records and fireworks
Rajkot and Indore are both known for batting-friendly surfaces. Rajkot often produces high-scoring contests, while Indore’s shorter boundaries have historically led to quick runs and dramatic finishes. Expect plenty of runs if conditions stay true to form.
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Live telecast and streaming details
Fans who can’t make it to the stadium won’t miss out on the action.
• TV broadcast: Star Sports Network (multiple languages)
• Live streaming: Jio Hotstar (with possible availability on JioCinema depending on region)
All matches are scheduled as day games, making them easy viewing for weekend and weekday audiences alike.
Probable squads at a glance
India’s likely ODI squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC), Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
New Zealand ODI squad:
Michael Bracewell (C), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Kyle Jamieson, Mitch Hay (wk), Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Michael Rae
Why this series matters
With leadership transitions underway and key tournaments on the horizon, this ODI series is more than a warm-up. For India, it’s about testing bench strength without losing competitiveness. For New Zealand, it’s another chance to prove their adaptability away from home.
Either way, fans can expect competitive cricket, individual battles to watch, and plenty of talking points as 2026 cricket action gets into full swing.
