Baroda ODI opener to test India depth ahead of T20 World Cup
January 10, 2026: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to headline India’s ODI campaign as the hosts take on a revamped New Zealand side in the first match of the three-game series on Sunday. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the veteran duo’s form remains central to India’s plans. Captain Shubman Gill returns after missing the South Africa series, while Shreyas Iyer’s comeback is set to stabilise the middle order and KL Rahul continues as wicketkeeper batter.
India will miss Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who have been rested for T20 commitments, placing pace responsibilities on Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. Ravindra Jadeja’s full training session signals his availability, while Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar bolster the spin attack. The match also marks the first men’s international at the new Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi.
New Zealand view the series as a chance to test fresh talent, with several senior players unavailable due to injury, rest and other commitments. Michael Bracewell will lead the side in Mitchell Santner’s absence, while attention will be on Kyle Jamieson and young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok. Despite the changes, the Black Caps still boast batting depth with Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Will Young anchoring the lineup.