Bhubaneswar: Team India has arrived in Vadodara ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with the opening match scheduled to be played on Sunday at the Kotambi Stadium. The series marks India’s first major international assignment of 2026 and is expected to set the tone for the year ahead.
The Indian side will be led by Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. The squad reflects a blend of youth and experience, featuring senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside emerging and established talents such as KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.
The team’s practice session in Vadodara generated considerable buzz, particularly Virat Kohli’s intense and sharp net session, which drew attention from fans and observers alike. Lighter moments during training underlined the positive atmosphere within the camp as the players prepared for the series.
The excitement around the Indian squad has also extended to the visiting team, with New Zealand players, including opener Will Young, expressing admiration for the Indian batting duo and acknowledging their influence on the modern game.
With the Kotambi Stadium pitch expected to favour batsmen, India will be aiming for a strong start to the series and a winning beginning to their 2026 campaign in front of home supporters.
-OdishaAge
