India and New Zealand Squads and Schedules for the 2026 ODI Series

Fans are eagerly anticipating the five-match one-day series between India and New Zealand, which begins on November 4th. This series will once again provide an opportunity for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to showcase their abilities.

Before the start of the series, former India test player Cheteshwar Pujara made a significant statement. He believes that under conditions characterized by the pace and spin from New Zealand, Virat Kohli has a higher chance of scoring a century than Rohit Sharma.

Discussing the roles and batting order of both players during a conversation with JioStar, Pujara elaborated on the tasks. He noted that Rohit Sharma should aim for a quick run-scoring start to give the team a strong beginning. However, given the challenging conditions in New Zealand, opening batsmen have to play very cautiously against the new ball, which could pose difficulties for Rohit.

In contrast, Virat Kohli bats at number three in the lineup, which gives him more opportunities to play the anchor role in the ODI format.

According to Pujara, it becomes slightly easier for a batsman batting at number three to reach a century, which is why he rates Virat above Rohit. Both athletes are currently in excellent form. Recently, Virat played an incomplete innings of 139 runs against West India, while Rohit scored 225 runs across three matches.

Beyond the discussion about centuries, Pujara shared his opinion on the final outcome of the entire series. He stated that in this tour, the Indian team is divided into two groups: one squad will be used for the first three matches, and different players will be involved in the last two matches. Pujara believes this will give New Zealand a significant strategic advantage, as the Kiwi team will play with the same squad throughout the series. He predicts that India might gain an edge by winning the first three matches, but the last two games will be very difficult. Furthermore, he expressed concern that due to the weather in New Zealand, at least one match of the series might be cancelled due to rain, potentially resulting in a 2-2 draw for the series.

The Indian team won the five-match T20 series against New Zealand with a score of 3-2. Although the Indian team lost the fifth and final match, which took place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (November 1st), the celebration of the victory took an unusual turn.

During the trophy presentation ceremony after the match, India's captain Shreyas Iyer accepted the trophy but then passed it to the young all-rounder Naman Dheer. Following this, the entire team took joint photographs with the trophy, and Iyer's gesture caused a wide resonance.

The 26-year-old Naman Dheer effectively utilized the opportunities given to him in this series. This all-rounder from Mumbai Indians (MI) made a significant contribution to India's game by batting in the lower order. He became the second-highest run-scorer for the Indian team in this T20 series.

Although Naman Dheer did not get many opportunities to play as a bowler, his batting successes attracted the attention of the team management. He managed to demonstrate his usefulness even with experienced players like Shivam Dube present.

This approach by Shreyas Iyer recalls the traditions established by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. These captains previously allowed young players the opportunity to celebrate the victory with the trophy. It should be noted that Dhoni was the one who started the tradition of passing the trophy to young players, and subsequent Indian captains continued this practice.

India already gained an undeniable advantage in the series. Despite New Zealand managing to achieve their goal in the fifth match by stopping India at 191/8, they could not win the series, and this moment became unforgettable for Naman Dheer during India's victory celebration.

Due to a muscle injury sustained during a game, vice-captain and batsman Ishan Kishan has been dropped from the Indian squad for not only the second but also the third T20 match against New Zealand.

The third match of this five-match series between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Fans were expecting Kishan's return as he was in excellent form.

The injury, which is a low-grade adductor strain in his right lower leg, was sustained by Ishan Kishan on October 22 during the first match of the series in Christchurch. The 28-year-old was advised to take a break to prevent further damage. Kumar Kushagra has been included in his place in the team.

Meanwhile, the players are ready for the second match of the series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India captain Shreyas Iyer decided to start the game with a coin toss and opt for bowling first. The Indian team aims to maintain its winning streak, having achieved an impressive target of 226 runs in the first T20 match.

In the first match, Sandeep Samson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 67 runs off just 33 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer added 42 runs. Following this, young Naman Dheer secured a brilliant victory for the team, scoring 42 runs off only 15 balls without getting out.

Despite Kishan's absence, the Indian team, which currently leads the series 1-0, is fully prepared to continue its winning run. At the same time, the host side, New Zealand, will make every effort to return to the game.