India is set to kick off its 2026 international cricket calendar with a high-stakes One Day International series against New Zealand, beginning at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The spotlight is firmly on young captain Shubman Gill, who aims to secure his first series win as the full-time leader of the ODI side.
Captain Gill and Vice-Captain Iyer Seek Redemption
The match marks a significant moment for skipper Shubman Gill, who endured a challenging end to 2025. The 26-year-old batter lost his place in the T20 World Cup squad and later suffered an injury that ruled him out of crucial Test and ODI contests against South Africa. This series presents a prime opportunity for Gill to redefine his year and stamp his authority as captain.
Joining him in a quest for a strong comeback is vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who is also returning from an injury layoff. Iyer will be keen to reassert his indispensable role in India's middle order during the three-match contest. Their performances will be closely watched as the team builds towards future ICC events.
Veteran Heavyweights Rohit and Kohli in the Spotlight
Despite the focus on the new leadership, immense attention will remain on the seasoned stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The duo finished 2025 as India's two highest run-scorers in the 50-over format. While their workloads might be managed in the first half of the year, these three ODIs are vital for them to maintain peak form and touch ahead of a busy second half in 2026. Both icons are also within touching distance of major personal milestones, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
The KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer Middle-Order Partnership
India's quest for a stable middle order, a point of vulnerability since the 2019 World Cup, seems to have found a reliable answer in the partnership of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Their combination has brought much-needed solidity and firepower to the team's core. Historically, India's most iconic ODI triumphs—from the 1983 World Cup win powered by Yashpal Sharma and Sandeep Patil to the 2011 glory anchored by MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina—were built on the backbone of a formidable middle order. The team management will hope the Rahul-Iyer axis continues to flourish and provide the foundation for future successes.
As the action unfolds in Vadodara, all eyes will be on how the blend of youthful leadership and experienced genius performs against a New Zealand side led by Michael Bracewell. The match promises to set the tone for India's cricketing year.
