IND vs NZ 1st ODI: India is currently facing New Zealand for the first ODI in Vadodara, as Shubman Gill is leading the team in this format for the first time at home. Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first.

The host revealed a balanced playing XI as it has players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj.

Gill wins the 1st toss for India in 2026

The host got a huge blow before this series as Rishabh Pant was ruled out owing to a practice session injury.

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Dhruv Jurel has replaced him. At the same time, the visitors gave a debut cap to pacer Kristian Clarke.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma guide young captain Shubman Gill

All eyes will be on Gill for his captaincy, although he will get all the help from the veteran players in the team.

Before this match, Virat Kohli was seen encouraging the team. His message might have fired up the team.

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Rohit Sharma, too, was seen helping Gill, especially with how to handle the bowlers.

During the first over, Rohit helped Mohammed Siraj when he took his run-up and gave some important suggestions on line and length.

Both Rohit and Kohli gave advice, shared their experiences, and helped the team stay focused.

With Shubman Gill as the skipper with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli helping him, the host will try to start 2026 on a high note.

Watch the video here:

RO-KO's stellar form ahead of NZ series

With both Rohit and Virat Kohli, the team looks quite balanced. Kohli entered this series on the back of a brilliant performance against South Africa as he had scored 302 runs after playing three ODIs at a staggering average of 151, which also includes two tons.

Rohit too maintained his sublime form as he had scored 146 runs and gave a flying start to the team.