IND vs NZ 1st ODI: India field four specialist pacers as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the ODI spotlight in the five-match series.
Sports Desk | November 4, 2026
Auckland’s Eden Park witnessed a delayed start to the opening One-Day International between India and New Zealand on Wednesday as passing rain briefly interrupted the pre-match proceedings. Once conditions improved, Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to bowl first, setting up an intriguing contest against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side.
The match marks the beginning of a five-match ODI series, with India seeking to carry forward the confidence gained from their 3-2 victory in the preceding T20 International series.
The return of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has added considerable interest to the 50-over contest, while India’s decision to field a relatively inexperienced fast-bowling combination has become one of the major talking points.
India Opt for Four-Pacer Attack in First ODI
India have selected four specialist fast bowlers for the series opener, with Arshdeep Singh joined by Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar.
The selection gives India’s emerging pacers an opportunity to prove themselves in overseas conditions against an established international opposition.
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been left out of the playing XI, while Axar Patel and Naman Dhir provide alternative bowling options.
The Indian team management will be watching closely to assess how the relatively inexperienced pace unit handles the demands of ODI cricket, particularly against a New Zealand batting line-up familiar with local conditions.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Return to ODI Action
The presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is expected to be a major attraction throughout the series.
Both experienced batters remain important figures in India’s 50-over plans, and their performances could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the five-match contest.
Shubman Gill, who is leading India in the opening three ODIs, will also be looking to establish his team’s momentum before Shreyas Iyer takes over the captaincy for the final two matches.
For New Zealand, captain Mitchell Santner faces the challenge of making the most of familiar playing conditions while containing India’s experienced batting order.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Live Telecast and Streaming
Indian cricket supporters can follow the first ODI on the Sony Sports Network, which is carrying television coverage of the series.
Online streaming is available through the SonyLIV application and official website. Access to the live digital broadcast may require an active subscription.
Reports also list DD Sports as a free-to-air television option for eligible viewers. However, availability may depend on the television platform and broadcasting arrangements.
The opening ODI was scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time, although rain affected the pre-match proceedings.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Match Details
- Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
- Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Scheduled Start: 7:30 AM IST
- Toss: India won and elected to bowl
- India Captain: Shubman Gill
- New Zealand Captain: Mitchell Santner
- TV Broadcast in India: Sony Sports Network
- Online Streaming: SonyLIV
- Reported Free-to-Air TV: DD Sports, subject to availability
India Playing XI for First ODI
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand Playing XI
Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (Wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner.
Full India vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule
The five-match series will take place across four venues in New Zealand.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | November 4, 2026 | Auckland |
| 2nd ODI | November 7, 2026 | Wellington |
| 3rd ODI | November 10, 2026 | Hamilton |
| 4th ODI | November 13, 2026 | Mount Maunganui |
| 5th ODI | November 15, 2026 | Mount Maunganui |
All five matches have a scheduled start time of 7:30 AM IST.
India Aim for Strong Start to ODI Series
The opening encounter offers India an opportunity to evaluate their emerging bowling talent while maintaining continuity in their experienced batting department.
For New Zealand, the series provides a chance to build momentum on home soil after losing the preceding T20I contest.
With the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup approaching, both teams will also view the series as an opportunity to assess combinations and strengthen their preparations for the tournament.
The outcome of the opening ODI will provide an early indication of how the two teams are adapting to the longer white-ball format.
Sources: BCCI, SonyLIV and published match-day reports. Match information reflects the November 4, 2026, toss and team announcements.
