Overview:
Captains winning the toss are likely to opt for bowling first, trusting their batters to exploit improved conditions later in the match.
The India vs New Zealand ODI series kicks off with the first match at Vadodara’s newly built Kotambi Stadium, a venue that is still fresh in international cricketing memory. India come into this contest with confidence after a dominant performance in their previous outing against South Africa, where their batting depth and bowling control stood out under pressure. The hosts showed composure through the middle overs and closed the game clinically, reinforcing why they remain one of the toughest ODI units at home.
New Zealand, on the other hand, arrive with a relatively experimental squad, focused on adaptability and depth rather than star power alone. The opening ODI sets the tone for the series, especially with conditions expected to evolve rapidly at this venue. With dew likely to play a role later in the evening and the pitch expected to be good for batting early, the toss and team balance could heavily influence the outcome of the series opener.
India Squad for ODI Series vs New Zealand
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
New Zealand Squad for ODI Series vs India
Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young.
India Probable XI for the 1st ODI vs New Zealand
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
New Zealand Probable XI for the 1st ODI vs India
Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (captain), Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Michael Rae, Jayden Lennox
BCA Stadium Kotambi – Key Details
Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, commonly referred to as Kotambi Stadium, is located on the outskirts of Vadodara, Gujarat, and represents one of India’s newest international cricket venues. Owned and operated by the Baroda Cricket Association, the stadium serves as the home ground for Baroda in domestic cricket and has quickly gained attention for its modern infrastructure. Construction began over a long phase and the stadium officially opened in December 2024, with an estimated cost ranging between ₹200 and ₹250 crore. Designed by Studio 3 Designs, the venue offers a seating capacity reported to be between 30,000 and 40,000 spectators, including premium and corporate seating options. Kotambi Stadium first hosted international cricket during India Women’s ODI series against West Indies Women in December 2024. The upcoming India vs New Zealand first ODI marks Vadodara’s return to hosting a men’s ODI after a gap of 16 years.
What Is the Pitch at BCA Stadium Kotambi Pitch Report?
The pitch at Kotambi Stadium is a grass based surface that generally favors batsmen, particularly during the first half of the match. Early on, the wicket offers true bounce and good carry, allowing stroke makers to play through the line with confidence. Batters who settle quickly can score freely, as the ball comes nicely onto the bat and the outfield is fast enough to reward timing. As the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down, with spinners getting more grip and seamers relying on cutters rather than pace. This shift makes middle over bowling crucial, especially for teams defending a total. Dew becomes a major factor in evening games, often neutralizing spin and making it harder for bowlers to grip the ball. Chasing sides can benefit significantly under lights, provided they manage the early overs smartly and preserve wickets for the finish.
Key Stats at BCA Stadium Kotambi Pitch Report
Kotambi Stadium has hosted three women’s ODIs so far, all played between India and West Indies in December 2024, offering early insight into how the surface behaves in international matches. Across those games, teams batting first won twice, while one match was successfully chased, indicating that conditions can remain favorable throughout the game. The average first innings score stands at 278 runs, while the average second innings score drops to 171, highlighting how the pitch can slow down as it wears. The highest total recorded at the venue is 358 for 5 by India Women, underlining the batting friendly nature of the surface when conditions are optimal. The lowest total is 103 all out by West Indies Women, showing how quickly things can unravel once the pitch loses its initial freshness. No men’s international matches have been played here yet, making the upcoming ODI historically significant.
IND vs NZ Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play a Role?
Weather conditions in Vadodara on January 11, 2026, are expected to be largely favorable for cricket, with no major interruptions anticipated. The forecast suggests hazy sunshine throughout the day, accompanied by minimal cloud cover. There is a zero percent chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play across all 100 overs. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius, which could test player endurance, especially during the middle overs. As evening sets in, temperatures will cool slightly, creating more comfortable conditions for batting under lights. Humidity levels are likely to increase later in the day, contributing to dew formation during the second innings. Overall, the weather is set to complement a high scoring contest, placing even more emphasis on the toss and in game tactical decisions.
India vs New Zealand: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
The pitch at Kotambi Stadium clearly offers a strategic edge to the team batting second, primarily due to dew. As moisture settles on the surface in the evening, bowlers struggle with grip, and the ball tends to skid on, making stroke play easier. Spinners, in particular, find it difficult to extract turn, while pacers must rely on variations rather than movement. This condition tilts the balance in favor of chasing teams, provided they have a stable top order and enough depth to control the required run rate. Teams batting first must aim for a total well above par, as anything around average can quickly become manageable under lights. Captains winning the toss are likely to opt for bowling first, trusting their batters to exploit improved conditions later in the match.
FAQs – BCA Stadium Kotambi
What is the pitch report for BCA Stadium Kotambi?
The pitch is generally batting friendly early, with true bounce and a fast outfield, but it slows down later and assists spinners. Dew plays a major role in evening matches.
What are India’s and South Africa’s records at BCA Stadium Kotambi?
India have played women’s ODIs at the venue with strong results, including a highest score of 358 for 5. South Africa have not played any international matches at Kotambi Stadium so far.