India’s Probable Playing XI vs New Zealand | IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026

After a brief gap from international cricket, the India Men’s National Cricket Team is set to return to action in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting with the 1st ODI of 2026. This series holds significance as it takes place just weeks before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, making player fitness, combinations, and workload management key focus areas for the selectors.

With New Zealand known for their disciplined bowling attack and competitive mindset, the opening ODI promises to be a closely fought contest. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will also be back in Team India after some impressive innings in the Vijay-Hazare Trophy.

IND vs NZ 1st ODI Match Details

• Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
  
• Series: New Zealand tour of India 2026
  
• Date: January 2026
  
• Venue: To be announced
  
• Time: As per local schedule
  
• Live Streaming: Star Sports Network & JioHotstar (India)

Shubman Gill Returns as Captain

Shubman Gill is set to lead the Indian side after missing the ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test. Having recovered fully, Gill’s return not only strengthens the top order but also brings stability to the leadership group.

Gill’s calm approach and growing experience as captain make this series an important step in shaping India’s white-ball leadership in the future.

Shreyas Iyer is Back (if Fit)

Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain for the series, but his selection remains subject to fitness clearance. If cleared, Iyer is expected to slot straight back into his preferred No.4 position, adding solidity and experience to India’s middle order.

In case Iyer is unavailable for the 1st ODI, Rishabh Pant could play and be promoted to bat at No.4 or No.5, giving India a left-handed attacking option in the middle overs. Pant’s retention in the squad ahead of Dhruv Jurel suggests the management still values his X-factor in ODIs.

India's Full Squad vs NZ ODIs: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Hardik Pandya is rested for the series as workload management. His absence opens the door for players like Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, both of whom offer different skill sets depending on pitch conditions.

India’s Probable Playing XI vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Shubman Gill (C)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer (VC)* / Rishabh Pant
5. KL Rahul (WK)
6. Washington Sundar / Nitish Kumar Reddy
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Harshit Rana
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Arshdeep Singh

The choice between Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy will largely depend on the nature of the surface:

• Spin-friendly pitch: Washington Sundar is likely to get the nod for his control, off-spin, and ability to bat deep.

• Batting-friendly or pace-assisting pitch: Nitish Kumar Reddy could be preferred for his seam-bowling option and aggressive batting lower down the order.