india is all set to start their 2026 season today, as they face New Zealand in the first match of the three-match ODI series in Vadodara, Gujarat. The match will start at 1:30 PM. This will be the last ODI series for India before they head into full T20 mode with the T20 World Cup 2026 and the IPL 2026 on the horizon. Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to action and could be seen in India colours for the last time till July this year. India have suffered a setback as wicketkeeper‑batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three‑match series due to a right side strain injury. It will also be Shubman Gill’s first series since he was dropped from the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, with the 25-year-old returning as captain of the ODI side.
The second ODI will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, while the third and final match is set to take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18.