Overview:
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stand out as the safest and most rewarding batting picks for Dream11.
The first ODI between India and New Zealand marks the beginning of a short but important bilateral series, where both teams have clear but different objectives. India are using this series to reassert their dominance in the 50-over format at home, while New Zealand arrive with a relatively fresh-looking side aiming to test their depth against elite opposition. The match will be played at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, a venue still new to men’s international cricket, which adds an extra layer of intrigue. India’s core is packed with experience and proven match winners, whereas New Zealand rely heavily on adaptability and all-round skill sets. With the future ICC events in mind, every performance here carries weight. The opening ODI is not just about winning the match, but about setting control, rhythm, and authority for the rest of the series.
What is the Context of the Match?
India enter this ODI series after solid performances in recent bilateral contests, particularly against Australia and South Africa, where their senior batters rediscovered form and the bowling unit showed improved control in the middle overs. The return of key players strengthens an already formidable lineup and provides stability at the top and middle order. New Zealand, in contrast, are in a transition phase, blending established names with players who are still proving themselves at the international level. For them, this series is as much about exposure as it is about results. Playing in Indian conditions is always a challenge, especially on slower surfaces with dew in the evening. The first ODI becomes crucial because it allows New Zealand to gauge conditions quickly, while India will look to press their advantage early and dictate the tempo of the series from ball one.
India’s Probable Playing XI for the 1st ODI vs New Zealand
Rohit Sharma: The veteran opener and former captain has been in commanding touch with the bat in recent series against Australia and South Africa. His ability to dominate the powerplay remains unmatched, and his experience at the top gives India early momentum. He continues to be India’s most destructive ODI opener when set. He has scored 11,156 runs in 279 ODIs with 33 centuries and 61 fifties.
Shubman Gill: Gill returns after a spell on the sidelines due to injuries and takes charge as captain for this series. He is technically sound, fluent through the off side, and particularly effective against pace. This ODI series is an opportunity for him to stamp authority as a leader. He has 2,818 runs in 58 ODIs with 8 hundreds and 15 fifties, averaging close to 60.
Virat Kohli: He comes in on the back of a sensational ODI series in South Africa, where he was the Man of the Series. His hunger for runs in the 50 over format remains relentless. Kohli’s presence anchors the batting and intimidates opposition attacks. He has amassed 14,557 runs in 308 ODIs with 53 centuries and 76 fifties.
Shreyas Iyer: Iyer slots back into the side as vice captain, strengthening the middle order. His ability to handle spin in the middle overs is critical on Indian surfaces. A settled role allows him to play freely without pressure. He has scored 2,917 runs in 73 ODIs, including 5 hundreds and 23 fifties.
KL Rahul (WK): KL continues as the first choice wicketkeeper batter. His calm approach and adaptability across positions add balance to the XI. Rahul’s finishing ability will be vital if India bat first. He has 3,218 runs in 91 ODIs with 7 centuries and 20 fifties.
Ravindra Jadeja: He remains India’s most reliable all rounder in ODIs. His accuracy with the ball and sharp fielding consistently create pressure. With the bat, he adds depth and finishing power. He has 2,862 runs and 232 wickets in 207 ODIs.
Washington Sundar: Sundar offers control with the ball and flexibility with the bat. His ability to bowl in the powerplay gives India tactical options. He is especially effective against left handed batters. He has 365 runs and 29 wickets in 28 ODIs, including one fifty.
Harshit Rana: The 24 year old has impressed in recent ODI series with his aggression and control. He hits the deck hard and is not afraid to bowl attacking lines. This series could cement his place in India’s white ball plans. He has picked up 20 wickets in 11 ODIs.
Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep continues to be India’s primary wicket taking spinner. His variations remain difficult to read, especially in the middle overs. He thrives on surfaces that offer even minimal grip. He has taken 191 wickets in 117 ODIs.
Arshdeep Singh: He brings left arm variety and excels at the death. His ability to swing the ball early adds value upfront. He has grown rapidly in white ball cricket. He has claimed 22 wickets in 14 ODIs.
Prasidh Krishna: He completes the pace attack with his height and bounce. He is effective with the new ball and in middle overs. His consistency makes him a dependable option. He has taken 37 wickets in 21 ODIs.
New Zealand’s Probable Playing XI for the 1st ODI vs India
Devon Conway: He is New Zealand’s most dependable top order batter and wicketkeeper. His technique against spin will be tested in Indian conditions.He plays the anchor role while accelerating when needed. He has scored 1,615 runs in 40 ODIs with 5 hundreds and 5 fifties.
Henry Nicholls: Provides stability at the top order. He is known for soaking pressure and building partnerships. His role will be crucial against India’s spinners. He has 2,180 runs in 81 ODIs with 1 century and 15 fifties.
Will Young: He has grown into a consistent ODI batter. He is compact and reliable against both pace and spin. Young often plays the supporting role effectively. He has 1,694 runs in 52 ODIs with 4 hundreds and 10 fifties.
Daryl Mitchell: He is New Zealand’s backbone in the middle order. His power hitting makes him dangerous in the final overs. He also contributes with the ball when required. He has 2,338 runs in 56 ODIs with 7 hundreds and 11 fifties.
Michael Bracewell: Bracewell leads the side and offers genuine all round value. His off spin is effective on slow tracks. As captain, his decision making will be under focus. He has 912 runs and 37 wickets in 40 ODIs, with 2 hundreds and 3 fifties.
Glenn Phillips: Glenn brings explosive batting and electric fielding. He can change games in a short span. His off spin adds depth to the bowling unit. He has 1,112 runs and 16 wickets in 44 ODIs.
Zak Foulkes: He is a new ball specialist who relies on movement and discipline. He is still early in his international career. He has impressed with his intensity. He has 38 runs and 9 wickets in 6 ODIs.
Kyle Jamieson: He provides bounce and seam movement. His height makes him effective even on flatter pitches. He can be dangerous with the new ball. He has taken 24 wickets in 20 ODIs.
Adithya Ashok: A mystery leggie still finding his footing at ODI level. He offers variation in the spin department. He has played 2 ODIs and picked up 1 wicket.
Michael Rae: He is set to make his ODI debut. He is a right arm medium pacer who impressed in red ball cricket. His role will be to contain runs and hit lengths. He has taken 8 wickets in 2 Tests.
Jayden Lennox: He is another debutant, offering slow left arm spin. He has been consistent in domestic List A cricket. Conditions in India could suit his style. He has 69 wickets in 54 List A matches.
Top Batters for Dream11
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stand out as the safest and most rewarding batting picks for Dream11. Kohli’s consistency in ODIs, especially against quality bowling attacks, makes him a high value option regardless of match situation. Rohit, on the other hand, thrives in the powerplay and can single handedly tilt contests if he bats deep. Both players are accustomed to Indian conditions and understand how to pace their innings. Their experience against New Zealand’s bowling attack further enhances their appeal. In fantasy formats, top order batters with the ability to convert starts into big scores are invaluable, and these two fit that profile perfectly.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
Ravindra Jadeja, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips are premium all round options for Dream11. Jadeja offers guaranteed points through bowling, fielding, and late order batting. Bracewell’s dual role as captain and off spinning all rounder increases his involvement in the game. Phillips adds explosive batting and part time spin, along with exceptional fielding. All three are likely to influence multiple phases of the match, which is exactly what fantasy players should target. On pitches that slow down, all rounders often outscore specialist players, making this trio particularly valuable.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s biggest wicket taking threat, especially in the middle overs. Harshit Rana’s aggressive style and ability to extract bounce make him a strong pick. For New Zealand, Zak Foulkes can provide early breakthroughs, while Michael Rae could surprise with disciplined lines. Bowlers who can strike rather than just contain are crucial in fantasy formats, and these names offer that potential. On a surface that may assist spin later, wicket taking bowlers gain even more relevance.
Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ideal captaincy choices due to their consistency and match winning pedigree. Kohli’s ability to bat through an innings makes him a safe captain option. Rohit’s explosive starts provide high risk, high reward potential. For differential picks, Daryl Mitchell and Zak Foulkes can be considered as vice captains. Mitchell contributes with both bat and ball, while Foulkes can fetch early bowling points, which are crucial in fantasy contests.
Pitch Report and Venue Conditions
The pitch at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara is expected to be batting friendly early on, with even bounce and a quick outfield. Stroke makers can play through the line confidently during the first half of the innings. As the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down, bringing spinners into play. Dew in the evening could make chasing easier, reducing grip for bowlers and skidding the ball onto the bat. Captains winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and take advantage of improved batting conditions later under lights.
Match Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand
India clearly start as favourites. Their batting depth, bowling variety, and familiarity with conditions give them a decisive edge over New Zealand. If India play to their potential, they should win this match comfortably.
FAQs about IND vs NZ Playing XI
Who are the key players in the IND vs NZ clash?
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are key for India, while Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Michael Bracewell will be crucial for New Zealand.