VADODARA/MUMBAI — India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026 Overview
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule and squad for the much‑anticipated India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI series. The series is set to begin on January 11, 2026, and will see Shubman Gill captaining the Indian squad for the first time in a major international fixture. The series will be played at three iconic venues in India: Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.
Key Highlights
- Captaincy Shift: Shubman Gill leads the Indian side in the ODI series, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli part of the squad under his captaincy.
- Missing Players: Mohammed Shami has been left out despite strong domestic form, while Hardik Pandya has been rested due to workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup.
- Broadcasting Partner: This series will mark the debut broadcast on the newly merged JioHotstar platform.
- Venue Debut: Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium will host its first-ever international match on January 11, 2026.
Full ODI Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Jan 11 (Sun) | BCA Stadium, Vadodara | 1:30 PM |
| 2nd ODI | Jan 14 (Wed) | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | 1:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | Jan 18 (Sun) | Holkar Stadium, Indore | 1:30 PM |
India Squad Analysis for the ODI Series
The biggest change in this series is the selection of Shubman Gill as the captain of the ODI squad, signaling a transition in leadership. He will lead a squad featuring veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, alongside younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Team India Squad:
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain: Shreyas Iyer (subject to fitness clearance)
- Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
- All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna
Note:
- Hardik Pandya has been excluded from the ODI squad as he has not been cleared to bowl a full 10-over spell by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). This decision is aimed at preserving him for the T20 World Cup.
- Jasprit Bumrah has also not been selected for the series as part of his workload management.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and Broadcast
Cricket fans in India can enjoy live action from the India vs New Zealand ODI series via:
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app & website (available for free for mobile users).
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and regional channels).
Official Statements
- BCCI Statement on Hardik Pandya’s Exclusion:
“Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match. Considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup follows immediately, his workload is being managed.”
— BCCI Official Release - BCCI Selection Committee on Shreyas Iyer’s Availability:
“Shreyas Iyer returns as Vice-Captain, but his availability for the 1st ODI is subject to a final fitness test at the Centre of Excellence.”
— BCCI Selection Committee
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A: The 1st ODI is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM IST at BCA Stadium, Vadodara.
A: Shubman Gill has been named the captain for the ODI series. Rohit Sharma is part of the squad as a player.
A: You can watch the live streaming on JioHotstar app and website. TV telecast is available on Star Sports.
Conclusion
With Shubman Gill at the helm, this ODI series marks a significant chapter in India’s cricketing future. The first match at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium is set to kick off the new year with fierce competition against New Zealand. As the team looks to build momentum ahead of future global tournaments, fans can expect thrilling action both on TV and digital platforms.
Keep an eye on the live streaming platforms — JioHotstar and Star Sports — for all the live action.
