India Unleash 1 Bold Toss Move as Gill Chooses to Field First Against New Zealand
VADODARA, India — The first ODI between India and New Zealand began with intent, confidence, and a clear tactical message. India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and immediately opted to field, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive three-match series. Played at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the contest also marked a historic milestone, as the venue hosted its first-ever men’s One Day International.
Gill’s decision was influenced by conditions that could evolve sharply as the day progressed. The black soil pitch at the stadium is known for offering uneven bounce early on, while evening dew is expected to make batting significantly easier under lights. With those factors in mind, India’s strategy was clear: apply early pressure with the ball and back their depth in chasing.
After missing the ODI series against South Africa in December, Gill returned to international duty refreshed and ready, resuming leadership responsibilities after a two-month break. Batting at number four, he anchors a lineup that blends experience with youthful energy. The match offered Gill an early opportunity to stamp his authority not just as a batter, but as a tactician willing to make decisive calls.
India’s confidence was further boosted by the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom rejoined the national side after featuring in domestic List-A cricket. Their presence immediately elevates the batting order, providing stability at the top and invaluable experience in pressure moments.
India went in with a bowling-heavy combination, selecting six bowlers to exploit early assistance from the surface. The team featured three specialist pacers, two spin all-rounders, and a wrist spinner — a mix designed to control the game across phases.
India XI:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
A key return was Shreyas Iyer, who recovered from a spleen injury sustained against Australia in October. His presence strengthens the middle order, while KL Rahul took on wicketkeeping duties, adding flexibility to the side.
India set an aggressive tone in Vadodara, backing bowlers early while returning stars add firepower to the opening ODI
India were forced into a late adjustment after wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the entire series due to an abdominal strain suffered during domestic List-A cricket for Delhi. While his absence is a setback, it opened the door for Dhruv Jurel, who was called up as his replacement and continues India’s focus on grooming young talent.
New Zealand entered the series in impressive form, having not lost a single ODI in 2025. Led by all-rounder Michael Bracewell, the visitors fielded a side that combines composure, power, and emerging skill.
New Zealand XI:
Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok.
The match was particularly special for medium pacer Kristian Clarke, who made his ODI debut, while 23-year-old wrist spinner Adithya Ashok was entrusted with leading the spin attack.
With dew expected to assist the chasing side and the pitch projected to flatten out, India’s toss decision reflected modern ODI thinking. The hosts will look to strike early, control the middle overs, and use their batting depth to finish the job.
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The series now moves to Indore and Rajkot, each offering distinct conditions and challenges. For India, the opening ODI is about reasserting dominance at home and building rhythm ahead of a busy international calendar. For New Zealand, it is a chance to test their unbeaten run against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
As play began in Vadodara, anticipation was high. With returning stars, fresh faces, and smart tactical choices, the first ODI delivered the perfect opening chapter to what could become a gripping and memorable series.
