The return of India's stalwarts and the resurgence of its captain will be the central narrative as a full-strength Indian team locks horns with a significantly revamped New Zealand side in the first match of a three-ODI series. The contest begins on Sunday, October 22, at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi.
Kohli and Rohit: The Enduring Pillars of India's Batting
Despite the looming T20 World Cup, the spotlight over the next week will be firmly on the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their rich vein of form is expected to headline India's 50-over campaign. Both veterans have had ample match practice, featuring in Vijay Hazare Trophy league games and piling up runs, demonstrating that their appetite and ability in the ODI format remain as sharp as ever.
Captain Gill's Response and Middle-Order Stability
A compelling subplot will be the performance of stand-in captain Shubman Gill. His return to the ODI XI comes after being omitted from India's T20 World Cup squad, following a patch of indifferent form and injuries that limited his role in the South Africa series. His inclusion could see Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite a maiden ODI century in the final match against South Africa, pushed out of the top order.
The comeback of Shreyas Iyer is anticipated to bring much-needed stability to the middle order after a prolonged phase of experimentation. The 31-year-old is likely to slot straight back into his familiar No. 4 position. KL Rahul continues in his role as a lower-order batter and primary wicketkeeper, meaning Rishabh Pant remains the second-choice keeper in this format.
On the bowling front, with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya rested to manage workloads, India's pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. The spin duties will be shouldered by Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, with the latter signaling his readiness after a full training session on Friday. Dew and flat pitches are expected to place a premium on control over outright aggression.
New Zealand's New-Look Challenge
For New Zealand, this series is an opportunity to assess fresh faces. The Black Caps are missing several key players: Mitchell Santner (groin injury), Tom Latham (returned home for childbirth), and Kane Williamson (SA20 commitment). Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy are rested, while Matt Henry is being eased back with an eye on the T20Is.
Michael Bracewell will lead a side that will rely on the positive mindset from their stunning 3-0 Test series win in India in 2024-25. The batting still possesses depth through Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips. Attention will also be on the returning Kyle Jamieson and young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok.
The series opener marks a historic moment for the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium at Kotambi, which will host its first men's international match, having previously staged a women's ODI series between India and the West Indies.
Teams:
India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway (wk), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.
