India fans are gearing up for the next ODI game. India will take on New Zealand in the first match of a five-match series. This India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 Preview is getting plenty of notice. Both sides want early momentum before the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The ODI is set for Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, 2026.
India come into this ODI run after a close T20I series. They won 3-2 in that five-game stretch. New Zealand, though, ended the T20I run well. They won the last two matches. Now the home team will try to test India using Auckland conditions. India will have to deal with that while sticking to their plans.
Shubman Gill will captain India for the opening three ODIs. Mitchell Santner is expected to take charge for New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in the ODI setup, which is a big point in the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 Preview.
People will also watch how India handles its bowling plans. This comes with Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna not featuring.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026: Match Details
- Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
- Series: India tour of New Zealand 2026
- Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
- Match Time: 7:30 AM IST
- Toss Time: 7:00 AM IST
- India Captain: Shubman Gill
- New Zealand Captain: Mitchell Santner
- Format: One Day International
The start in Auckland is scheduled for 3:00 PM local time. Fans in India can watch from the morning hours.
India Aim to Start the ODI Series with a Win
India will feel confident after the T20I series win over New Zealand. Still, ODIs have a different rhythm. Batsmen must think longer and manage their time. Bowlers also need to stay controlled for the full 50 overs.
India’s batting looks solid for the opener. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli add experience at the top. Gill also matters in this setup. He can pace the innings and shift gears when needed. Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Axar Patel add more strength to the batting. There are also younger players in the mix. If they get a chance, they can change the game.
India’s biggest worry may be the bowling group. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for this series. Prasidh Krishna has been left out after not getting fitness approval. His hamstring injury did not clear in time. Auqib Nabi has been brought in for the first three ODIs as Prasidh’s replacement.
Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and the all-rounders who are available will be crucial. India will need to get the mix right. Pace, spin, and batting depth all need to line up for the match.
New Zealand Look for a Strong Home Performance
New Zealand will be eager to begin the ODI series with a victory. The team has several experienced players who understand local conditions and know how to build partnerships at home.
Mitchell Santner will lead the side. His all-round ability gives New Zealand flexibility in both departments. He can contribute useful runs and control the middle overs with his left-arm spin.
Daryl Mitchell is another important player. He has the ability to handle pressure and build innings against quality bowling attacks. Glenn Phillips can change the direction of a match with his aggressive batting and powerful hitting.
Tom Latham and Will Young will also have important responsibilities. The hosts will need a good start because India’s bowling attack includes experienced international players.
New Zealand have suffered injury setbacks before the opening match. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have been ruled out of the series. Devon Conway will also miss the first ODI after suffering a concussion during a training-session collision with Matt Henry. Tim Seifert has been named as Conway’s replacement.
Matt Henry’s availability is also a concern, with his fitness being monitored. These changes could affect New Zealand’s preferred opening combination and bowling plans.
India Probable Playing XI for the 1st ODI
India have several selection options for the opening match. The following is a probable playing XI, not the confirmed team.
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Naman Dhir
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Anshul Kamboj
Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also part of India’s wider squad options.
The final combination will depend on pitch conditions, player fitness and the team’s preferred balance. India could consider Kuldeep Yadav if they want an additional specialist spin option.
New Zealand probable XI for the 1st ODI
New Zealand may need to shuffle the top order after injuries to Conway, Ravindra, and Chapman.
- One possible XI
- Tim Seifert
- Will Young
- Henry Nicholls
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry / Nathan Smith
Matt Henry is likely to be picked if he is fit. If he cannot play, Nathan Smith, or another bowling option who is available, could come in.
New Zealand still have plenty of experience in the group. Even so, the lack of a few regular starters makes the first match tougher.
Eden Park pitch report
Eden Park in Auckland usually suits batters. The boundaries are not very long. If a batter gets set early, they can score at a steady pace and then accelerate.
The venue has hosted several high-scoring international games. Its shorter boundary size often pushes batters to take risks. Bowlers may need to vary pace and hit good lengths to stay in control.
The new ball might help fast bowlers. That could happen if the air has some movement. If New Zealand take early wickets, it may be easier to squeeze India’s batting unit.
Spinners will likely need to be very precise. They may also have to change pace often and use smart variations. Giving batters too much space could be costly here.
Toss thoughts
The toss may matter at Eden Park. The captain might choose to bat first to set the tone. Or they could bowl first if conditions seem to help early.
In general, Eden Park should suit batting. Still, tight and disciplined bowling can decide the game.
Auckland Weather Report for November 4
Weather conditions will be another important factor during the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026.
The forecast available on November 3 suggests relatively cool conditions in Auckland. Temperatures are expected to be around 19°C at the start of the match and may fall towards 17°C later.
There is a possibility of morning showers. However, the forecast indicates that conditions may improve during the afternoon and evening, which is when the match is scheduled locally.
The weather outlook is therefore reasonably encouraging, although changing conditions can never be ruled out. Both teams will want to complete the full 50-over contest.
Cloud cover and moisture could also influence the opening overs. Fast bowlers may look to use any movement available, while batters will need to play carefully at the start of their innings.
India vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have a long history in One Day International cricket. Both sides have produced memorable performances against each other in bilateral series and major tournaments.
According to the reported head-to-head record before this series:
- Total ODI matches: 123
- India won: 63
- New Zealand won: 52
- Tied: 1
- No result: 7
India have won more matches overall, but New Zealand have often been difficult opponents on home soil.
India’s previous ODI visit to New Zealand at Eden Park in 2022 ended in a seven-wicket defeat. The visitors will want a better performance this time.
The historical record gives India confidence, but New Zealand’s familiarity with the ground could make the contest competitive.
Key Players to Watch
- Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s return to ODI cricket will be one of the biggest attractions. He is known for his attacking approach and ability to score big hundreds.
If Rohit gets a good start, he can put pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers during the powerplay. His experience will also help India’s younger players.
- Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli remains one of India’s most important ODI batters. His consistency, ability to rotate the strike and experience in difficult conditions make him a key player.
Kohli will be expected to play an important role in the middle order. His partnership with Gill and Rohit could be crucial.
- Shubman Gill
Gill will lead India in the first three matches. Along with his captaincy responsibilities, he will be expected to provide a strong start with the bat.
The New Zealand conditions will test his technique, patience and ability to handle movement with the new ball.
- Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous batting options. He can attack both pace and spin and has the ability to change a match within a few overs.
His performances during the recent T20I series showed why India must plan carefully against him.
- Mitchell Santner
Santner’s leadership and all-round skills will be important for New Zealand. He can control the middle overs with the ball and contribute valuable runs lower down the order.
His decisions as captain could also influence the outcome of the opening match.
- Mohammed Siraj
With Bumrah rested and Prasidh Krishna unavailable, Siraj will have an important role in India’s pace attack.
He will need to make good use of the new ball and deliver accurate spells at the death. His experience could help India manage pressure during difficult periods.
What You Can Expect from the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
This opener should be a lively game. India will bring a settled batting group. New Zealand will lean on playing at home.
India’s top order looks strong. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill can set the tone early. After that, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul add steadiness in the middle.
New Zealand will want to use Eden Park to their benefit. The pitch and the home crowd can help. Their all-rounders and pace bowlers can swing the contest, mainly if they break partnerships early.
The hosts have to deal with the fact that some players are missing. Still, names like Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, and Santner have played enough big games to test India.
For India, the key point is bowling plans. They need to keep scoring shots under control. They should not hand out too many loose boundaries, since big hitting can flip momentum fast at this venue.
This match also matters as lead-up work for both sides. It will help them tighten plans before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Each team will look at what is working and what needs fixing.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026: Full Schedule
The five-match ODI series will be held across four venues in New Zealand.
- 1st ODI: November 4 – Eden Park, Auckland
- 2nd ODI: November 7 – Hnry Stadium, Wellington
- 3rd ODI: November 10 – Seddon Park, Hamilton
- 4th ODI: November 13 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- 5th ODI: November 15 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
All matches start at 7:30 AM IST.
India plans to use the series as preparation for what comes next in international cricket. They are also preparing for the next ODI World Cup. Shubman Gill will captain the first three matches. Shreyas Iyer is set to lead for the last two.
Where to Watch India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Live
Fans in India can stream or watch the match on the official TV and online channels.
- Live on TV: Sony Sports Network
- Live Online: Sony LIV app and website
- Match Date: November 4, 2026
- Start Time: 7:30 AM IST
- Toss: 7:00 AM IST
Before you tune in, double check your local schedule and the streaming page for any last updates.
Final Thoughts
The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 Preview looks like a strong start for the five-match run. India will aim to keep up their ODI form, especially with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in the mix. Shubman Gill is expected to carry a big role and lead the side in the first three games.
New Zealand will look to Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham for key impact. Still, injuries to some important players may leave the hosts with tough selection choices.
Eden Park should be a decent place to bat. The weather report also points to a good chance of finishing the game with fewer problems.
