The Indian cricket team, led by captain Shubman Gill, is set to clash with a revamped New Zealand side in the opening One Day International of a three-match series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Sunday. Despite the looming T20 World Cup, the spotlight remains firmly on the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are expected to provide a solid foundation at the top of the order.
Senior Pros and Captain's Comeback in Focus
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma enter the series with significant match practice from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they piled on runs, reinforcing their enduring class in the 50-over format. Their form is a major boost for India as they aim to build momentum.
All eyes will also be on skipper Shubman Gill, who returns to lead the side after being omitted from the T20 World Cup squad and managing injuries during the South Africa tour late last year. His performance under scrutiny could be crucial for his and the team's confidence. Gill's inclusion is likely to see Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite a maiden ODI century in the previous series, move down the order.
The middle order receives a stability boost with the comeback of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who is set to reclaim his preferred No. 4 position. Wicketkeeping duties will fall to KL Rahul following Rishabh Pant's injury.
Injury Blow: Pant Ruled Out, Jurel Steps In
In a significant setback, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the entire series after sustaining a right-sided strain during a net session on Saturday. He was struck by a delivery from a throwdown specialist, causing immediate discomfort.
The selectors have named Dhruv Jurel as his replacement. Jurel, who has been in sensational form for Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 558 runs at an average over 90, joined the squad on Saturday night.
Milestones Await Gill, Iyer, Kohli, and Kuldeep
The series presents several Indian players with opportunities to achieve personal landmarks. Shreyas Iyer is 83 runs away from 3,000 ODI runs. If he reaches the milestone in this series, he could become the fastest Indian to do so, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan's record of 72 innings.
Shubman Gill needs 182 runs to reach the same 3,000-run mark. Achieving it would make him the fastest Indian in terms of both innings and matches played. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is just 25 international runs away from becoming the third player ever to cross 28,000 runs across all formats, joining Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
In the bowling department, spinner Kuldeep Yadav is nine wickets away from entering the elite club of Indian bowlers with 200 ODI wickets. He will be a key weapon for India in the home conditions.
New Zealand's New-Look Squad Under Bracewell
New Zealand, missing several key players including Kane Williamson (SA20 duty), Tom Latham (family reasons), and Mitchell Santner (groin injury), will be led by Michael Bracewell. The series offers the Black Caps a chance to test their bench strength. Their batting still boasts experienced names like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Kyle Jamieson.
The match marks the historic first men's international to be played at the new stadium in Vadodara. With both teams looking to fine-tune their combinations, the stage is set for an intriguing contest to kick off the ODI series.
