IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

Team India's recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka witnessed an emphatic performance by the hosts as they flexed their muscles to whitewash the three-match series. But a new challenge awaits the Indians when they host a formidable Kiwi side in a three-match ODI series, commencing on January 18.

Tom Latham's New Zealand are the no. 1 ranked ODI side in the world and are coming into the series after completing a historic series victory against India's arch-rivals Pakistan earlier this month. The Blackcaps also defeated the Men in Blue in the ODI series back home last year. However, they will be up against a revitalized home side, buoyed by the form of star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who missed the last meeting between the two sides.

The first match of the much-anticipated series will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on January 18, with two more ODIs and a three-match T20I series to follow.

Pitch Conditions 

The surface in Hyderabad tends to favor the batters with its docile nature. A run-fest is on the cards with both teams boasting strong batting line-ups. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bat first at this venue in hopes of setting a daunting total on the board for their opponents. 

Playing Combinations for IND vs NZ

India

The Indian batters are in scintillation form, especially batting ace Virat Kohli and young opener Shubman Gill, but the absence of KL Rahul will mean Ishan Kishan might get another bite at the cherry after being dropped from the playing eleven in the last series. Mohammed Siraj, who impressed yet again in the 50-over format, has become one of the first names on the team sheet due to his imperious wicket-tacking ability up front. Shreyas Iyer, who underwent an injury, has been replaced by Rajat Patidar for the series.

Predicted Playing XI 

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik

New Zealand

Tom Latham's New Zealand has got a perfect mixture of youth and experience in their squad. While young dashers like Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips are capable of blowing away any opposition. However, they will miss the exploits of their influential skipper Kane Williamson in the upcoming fixture.

Predicted Playing XI

Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c&wk), Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner/Ish Sodhi, Doug Bracewell

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head

Played –113, IND – 55, NZ – 50, NR -7, Tie - 1

IND vs NZ Broadcast & Live Streaming Details

Match Timings- 1:30 PM IST

TV- Star Sports Network

Streaming- Disney+Hotstar App and Website