Full schedule, match timings, venues and live streaming details

As the calendar turns to the new year, expectations are rising among cricket fans around the world. India and New Zealand are set to ignite the international cricket season with a much-anticipated white-ball series that carries significant implications for both teams, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. Far from being a routine ODI set, this three-match series acts as a dynamic battleground where seasoned campaigners and rising stars vie for recognition and a place in their national squads.

The series includes three One Day Internationals, running from January 11 to January 18, promising a mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm. Shubman Gill, one of India’s brightest young talents, captains the series and steps in while many senior players are given rest time. However, India’s squad still remains formidable, with the powerful Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli making a comeback to the competition.

On the opposing side, New Zealand comes with a balanced and competitive squad led by Michael Bracewell. The Kiwis have consistently punched above their weight on the international stage and with proven players like Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell in their ranks, they are well-equipped to challenge India on home soil. New Zealand’s approach is expected to be methodical yet aggressive, leveraging depth across departments to push India to its limits.

The series’ locations add an extra layer of intrigue. The inauguration at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium marks a historic occasion as the city hosts its first international men’s match. The action will then shift to Rajkot on January 14; It’s a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions, which often lead to high-scoring events, and provides an ideal stage for the game’s power hitters to showcase their skills. The series concludes in Indore on January 18; shorter boundaries here have historically favored batsmen and set the stage for explosive finishes.

For fans who can’t attend in person, comprehensive broadcast coverage ensures no moment is missed. Star Sports will offer live television coverage in multiple languages ​​to appeal to India’s diverse cricket audience; Digital streaming will be available through Jio Hotstar and potentially JioCinema, depending on regional availability. All matches are scheduled to start at 1.30 pm IST and the draw will be held at 1 pm, allowing viewers to settle in for a top-level cricket match in the afternoon.

Possible ODI Squad for India’s New Zealand series: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC), Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana

New Zealand ODI squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls.

Also read| ‘Nobody will watch’: R Ashwin drops bombshell on T20 World Cup viewership and warns ICC