The IND vs NZ ODI series 2026 is just a few hours away from the first ball at Kotambi Stadium. The three-match series kicks off on January 11 at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, marking the return of international cricket to the city after 15 years. However, the real electricity in the air comes from what Virat Kohli could achieve in this series.
IND vs NZ ODI battles have always produced memorable performances, but this time carries extra weight. Kohli needs just 28 runs to become the first player ever to score 28,000 international runs.
And only 42 runs to surpass Kumar Sangakkara as the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history. Additionally,Kohli is 94 runs away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI runs by an Indian against New Zealand, and could secure the outright record for most international centuries against the Kiwis with just one more century.
Cricket live IND vs NZ coverage will track every Kohli innings closely because he has been in scintillating form lately; his recent performances against South Africa have shown that he’s hungry for more records. At 36, he’s playing like he’s got something to prove, arriving at practice sessions hours before his teammates, smashing cover drives in the cold Vadodara weather.
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When You Can Watch the IND vs NZ ODI Matches
The cricket IND vs NZ action begins this Sunday at 1:30 PM IST. You’ll catch all three matches across different venues:
- 1st ODI: January 11 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
- 2nd ODI: January 14 at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
- 3rd ODI: January 18 at Holkar Stadium, Indore
Why This Series Matters Right Now?
This IND vs NZ ODI 2026 series comes at a crucial time. Both teams are gearing up for the T20 World Cup, and these matches offer valuable practice on subcontinental pitches. India holds a strong home record against New Zealand. They’ve won 31 games and lost just 8 on Indian soil.
New Zealand won’t roll over easily, though. They’re bringing experienced players like Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell alongside emerging talents. Before big tournaments, the series gives both teams a chance to practice tactics and combinations.
Virat Kohli’s Record Chase Dominates the Narrative
Walk around Vadodara, and you’ll hear fans debating which record Kohli will break first. IND vs NZ cricket matches have seen Kohli dominate before, but this series feels different. The 14,000-run milestone sits tantalizingly close; achievable if he maintains his current form across all three matches.
What makes this chase fascinating is Kohli’s recent resurgence. After a lean patch, he’s rediscovered the touch that made him the world’s most feared ODI batter. His technique remains flawless. His fitness puts players half his age to shame.
Actually, the IND vs NZ encounters have historically brought out the best in him. He averages over 55 against the Kiwis in ODIs, with several match-winning knocks to his name.
The IND vs NZ ODI live streaming numbers could hit record highs, especially if Kohli gets close to a century in the opening match. Fans remember his ability to build innings; he begins slowly, and then quickly speeds up.
The Shubman Gill Story Everyone’s Watching
Walk into the Kotambi Stadium these past two days, and you’d spot 26-year-old Shubman Gill hammering balls in the nets. He’s focused. Determined. And he has something to prove.
Just months after being named T20I vice-captain, Gill was dropped from the format entirely. Now, as India’s ODI captain, he’s leading a team featuring legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma; a situation that mirrors when a young Mohammad Azharuddin captained star-studded lineups.
“He’s mentally very strong,” says Arvinder Singh, CEO of Gujarat Titans. “Such things happen in a sportsperson’s life. He knows he has to respond with his bat.” After scoring 754 runs in five Tests in England last year, Gill managed only 11 runs in his recent Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Goa. Those close to him vouch for his work ethic.
The Star Power You’re Here For
The IND vs NZ ODI 1st match features more than just Kohli’s record hunt. Rohit Sharma, the former Indian captain, is back in the mix. He looked sharp against South Africa and will open the batting. The match features a special ceremony where Rohit and Virat will “flag off” the game, celebrating Vadodara’s return to international cricket.
When Kohli arrived at Vadodara airport, thousands of screaming fans mobbed the terminal. He showed up at Kotambi Stadium two hours before the team, wearing a sleeveless T-shirt despite the cold, hitting those trademark cover drives. On December 4, 2010, the last time international cricket was played here, India vs New Zealand, where current head coach Gautam Gambhir smashed a century.
The IND vs NZ ODI 2026 Venue Breakdown
Every ground has its own challenges for a record chase.
Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium offers balanced conditions. Batters and bowlers both get fair chances. The pitch suits Kohli’s style; he can build an innings without taking unnecessary risks early on.
Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium helps spinners. But the outfield is quick, which means boundaries flow once batters settle. Kohli has scored heavily on similar tracks.
Indore’s Holkar Stadium historically produces runs; lots of them. If Kohli reaches the third ODI still chasing records, this venue could be where he makes history.
Complete IND vs NZ ODI 2026 Schedule and Squads
India Squad:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand Squad:
Michael Bracewell (captain), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Adithya Ashok, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.
Key Battles That’ll Decide the Series
Virat Kohli vs Michael Bracewell: This matchup defines the series. Bracewell, as captain and spinner, needs to find ways to contain Kohli. Recent history shows Kohli destroys spin bowling when he’s in form. Expect Bracewell to set defensive fields and try to slow Kohli’s scoring rate.
Rohit Sharma vs Kyle Jamieson: The tall Kiwi pacer will swing the new ball. Rohit must navigate that early threat to give Kohli the platform to chase records.
Devon Conway vs Arshdeep Singh: Conway provides top-order stability for New Zealand. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle could trouble him early.
What are the head-to-head records?
The IND vs NZ cricket history speaks volumes. In 120 ODI meetings:
- India: 62 wins
- New Zealand: 50 wins
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 7
India dominates at home. But New Zealand won’t care about statistics when they cross the boundary rope. They’ll especially focus on stopping Kohli before he runs riot.
The Weather Won’t Be a Problem
Good news for the cricket live IND vs NZ stream on Sunday; zero rain predicted. Temperatures will hit 28°C during the day and drop to 16°C. It’s a perfect condition for Kohli to bat long and pile on runs.
How to Watch IND vs NZ ODI Live Streaming
The IND vs NZ ODI live coverage gives you multiple ways to catch every ball, every boundary, and every potential record-breaking moment.
Television Broadcast
- Primary Channel: Star Sports Network (IND)
- Available in: English, Hindi, and regional languages
- Coverage starts: 1:00 PM IST (30 minutes before the match)
- Features: Expert commentary, pre-match analysis, post-match discussions
Online Streaming Options
- Platform: JioHotstar
- Accessible on: Website, iOS app, Android app
- Streaming quality: HD and SD options available
- Benefits: Watch on mobile, tablet, laptop, or smart TV
For International Viewers
- USA and UK fans: Check local listings for broadcast partners
- New Zealand viewers: Sky Sport NZ holds broadcasting rights
- Global access: Official streaming platforms vary by region
Players Who’ll Steal the Show
IND vs NZ ODI 2026 squad selections reveal depth on both sides. Beyond Rohit and Virat, watch these names:
For India:
- KL Rahul brings composure behind the stumps and consistency with the bat
- Harshit Rana has impressed with his pace and bounce
- Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin could bamboozle New Zealand’s batters
For New Zealand:
- Will Young consistently scores runs at the top
- Glenn Phillips can change games with explosive hitting
- Zak Foulkes offers X-factor with ball and bat
Why You Should Clear Your Weekend
The IND vs NZ ODI live action matters because we might witness Virat Kohli rewrite ODI record books in front of our eyes.
Young talents get their chance to shine on the big stage. Senior players fine-tune their game before major tournaments. Both teams will test combinations that could shape their World Cup campaigns. Every match could swing selection decisions for future events.
The electric energy around Indian cricket right now. Stadiums will be packed with fans who’ve waited years for this moment. Social media will explode with every boundary, every wicket. Watch the world’s best cricketers perform at their finest.
Last Words
The IND vs NZ ODI 2026 series arrives with the weight of expectation and the promise of greatness. Virat Kohli stands on the brink of multiple milestones that could redefine his legacy forever. Shubman Gill seeks redemption while leading legends. Rohit Sharma proves age means nothing when class is permanent.
Three cities. Three battles. One series that could change everything.
Vadodara hasn’t hosted international cricket in 15 years. Tomorrow, it becomes the center of the cricket universe. Thousands will pack Kotambi Stadium. Millions will watch from homes and mobile screens across continents.
That’s why we love cricket, for moments that transcend sport, for records that seemed impossible, for legends refusing to fade.
The wait ends Sunday at 1:30 PM IST. Fire up Star Sports. Open JioHotstar. History doesn’t wait. Neither should you.
Stay tuned with Sports Dribble and its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for updates!
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.