India are set to host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series, which will get underway on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara. The second and third games are scheduled to be played on January 14 and 18 in Rajkot and Indore, respectively.
In terms of head-to-head records in the 50-over format, the two sides have faced each other 120 times. India have emerged victorious on 62 occasions, while New Zealand have won 50 matches. Seven games ended with no result, and one concluded in a tie.
The last time the two teams met was in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai, where the Men in Blue, led by Rohit Sharma, clinched the title. Turning attention to the upcoming series, the visitors have opted for a second-string squad, with several high-profile players missing. However, they still feature a number of cricketers who have proven their credentials on the international stage.
On that note, here are three Kiwi players that India need to be wary of ahead of the IND vs NZ 2026 ODI series.
#1 Daryl Mitchell
The first name on the list is ICC’s No. 3-ranked ODI batter, Daryl Mitchell. The 34-year-old was named Player of the Match in his most recent ODI against the West Indies, where he scored 119 off 118 balls. Overall, the right-handed batter has featured in 56 ODIs for the Black Caps, piling up 2,338 runs at an excellent average of 53.13 and a strike rate of 93.85, with 11 half-centuries and eight hundreds.
Mitchell also enjoys a strong record against India in the 50-over format, having scored 389 runs in eight innings at an average of 48.62 and a strike rate of 87.61, including one fifty and two centuries.
His numbers in Indian conditions are even more impressive, with 586 runs from 12 innings at an average of 53.27 and a strike rate of 107.91, featuring two fifties and two hundreds. These figures make him a player the Men in Blue will need to be particularly wary of in the upcoming series.
#2 Kyle Jamieson
Next on the list is Kyle Jamieson, who was named Player of the Series in New Zealand’s most recent ODI series against the West Indies. Across the three-match contest, the right-arm seamer picked up seven wickets in three innings at an average of 20.00, a strike rate of 22.28, and an economy of 5.38. His best figures of 3/44 came in the second ODI in Napier.
Overall, Jamieson has featured in 20 ODIs for New Zealand, claiming 24 wickets at an average of 33.79, a strike rate of 38.90, and an economy of 5.20. Against India, the 6’8″ pacer has played four matches and taken five wickets. He will be keen to add to his tally and carry forward the strong form he displayed in the West Indies series.
#3 Michael Bracewell
Another player India need to keep a close watch on is New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell. In his ODI career spanning 40 matches, Bracewell has scored 912 runs at an average of 36.48 and a strike rate of 108.83, registering three half-centuries and two centuries. The off-spinner has claimed 37 wickets at an average of 34.72, a strike rate of 42.4, and an economy of 4.90.
Against India, the 34-year-old has not enjoyed significant success with the ball, managing just three wickets in six innings. However, he has made a strong impact with the bat, scoring 243 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 60.75 and a strike rate of 140.16, including one fifty and one hundred. The New Zealand captain will be keen to lead from the front and showcase his all-round ability in the upcoming series.
Edited by Dev Sharma
