Well, that was fast. If you were hoping to snag a ticket for the first India vs. New Zealand ODI in Vadodara, you likely missed your chance. Tickets for the match vanished in a blistering eight minutes flat. The reason for the frenzy? Two words: Virat and Rohit. The superstar duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not just playing cricket anymore; they are an event. With both legends having stepped away from T20Is and Tests, seeing them in ODI action has become a special occasion for fans, and the hype is real. This sold-out stadium is the loudest proof. Adding to the spectacle is their current form. Rohit sits comfortably as the world's No. 1 ranked ODI batter, with Kohli right on his heels at No. 2. They ended 2025 on a high against Australia and South Africa, and the public is eager to see that magic continue. But there’s an interesting subplot brewing beneath all the fanfare. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, head coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar have been clear about building a young team for the future. This means every game for Kohli and Rohit isn't just another match; it's an audition. Their places for that global tournament are not guaranteed, and every inning will be watched under a microscope. And the veterans are responding like champions. Not content to just wait, both recently played in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to get match-ready. Rohit hit a century for Mumbai, while Kohli scored a hundred and a fifty for Delhi, with the latter even making himself available for an extra game. The message is clear: they are here to fight for their spots. For the fans in Vadodara and those watching elsewhere, this series is more than just India vs. New Zealand. It’s a chance to witness two of the game's greats write the next chapter of their storied careers, with passion and persistence on full display. One thing's for sure: they won’t go down without making every single ball count. The countdown to the first ball has never felt more electric.

The cricket calendar for 2026 is heating up, and one of the first major events is a massive eight-match showdown between India and New Zealand. If you're wondering when it starts, who's playing, and how to catch all the action, here's your friendly guide to everything you need to know. Mark your calendars: The Indian selection committee is expected to announce the much-anticipated ODI squad for the series around January 3rd or 4th via an online meeting. The tour kicks off with the three-match ODI series, which is creating a real buzz. All eyes are on the possible return of modern legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the 50-over format. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, every game for these stalwarts is a statement. Meanwhile, the following five T20Is will be crucial for India as they fine-tune their team to defend the T20 World Cup title at home later in the year. India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026: Full Schedule Date Venue Time (IST) Sun, Jan 11, 2026 BCA Stadium, Vadodara 1:30 PM Wed, Jan 14, 2026 Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot 1:30 PM Sun, Jan 18, 2026 Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore 1:30 PM India vs New Zealand T20I Series 2026: Full Schedule Date Venue Time (IST) Wed, Jan 21, 2026 VCA Stadium, Nagpur 7:00 PM Fri, Jan 23, 2026 Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur 7:00 PM Sun, Jan 25, 2026 Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati 7:00 PM Wed, Jan 28, 2026 ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam 7:00 PM Sat, Jan 31, 2026 Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram 7:00 PM Where to Watch: The series will be broadcast live on Sports Network channels and streamed on the JioCinema app and website in India. Check local listings for international broadcast details. A Look at the Squads New Zealand has named a balanced squad for both formats, with Michael Bracewell leading the ODI side and Mitchell Santner captaining the T20Is. Key players like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips will be vital for the Black Caps across both series. India's T20I Squad, already announced, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. It features a dynamic mix of youth and experience, including the returning Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, as the team begins its final preparations for the World Cup defense. All that remains now is the big reveal: India's ODI squad. Once it's announced, the countdown to the first ball in Vadodara will truly begin. Get ready for a month of thrilling cricket!