IND vs NZ ODI: New Zealand's 9-Year ODI Drought in India Against Team India

The highly anticipated three-match One Day International (ODI) series between India and New Zealand is set to commence on January 11, with the first match scheduled to be played at the Baroda Cricket Stadium, while this series holds significant excitement for cricket enthusiasts, especially given New Zealand's prolonged struggle to secure an ODI victory against India on Indian soil, a drought that has now stretched for nine years. This statistic presents a considerable challenge for the Kiwi team in the upcoming series.

The Indian team, fresh off a 2-1 ODI series victory against South Africa, is brimming with confidence and is poised to maintain its winning momentum against New Zealand on home turf. The three-match ODI series will kick off on January 11, with the inaugural game taking place at the Baroda Cricket Stadium. This series is crucial for both teams as they look to fine-tune their preparations for upcoming major tournaments. New Zealand's squad has already been announced, featuring their key players. Meanwhile, the Indian squad announcement is still pending, but star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill are expected to be part of the series, while the presence of these cricketing stalwarts will undoubtedly heighten the excitement and promise high-quality cricket for fans.

India's Dominant ODI Record

In the history of One Day International cricket, India and New Zealand have faced each other in a total of 120 matches, while a closer look at these statistics reveals a clear dominance by the Indian team over New Zealand. India has emerged victorious in 62 of these 120 encounters, while New Zealand has managed to win only 50 matches, while seven matches concluded with no result, and one game ended in a tie. These figures unequivocally demonstrate India's consistent superior performance against New Zealand in the ODI format. This strong head-to-head record will further boost the confidence of the Indian team, particularly when playing on their home ground where their performance is often even more formidable.

New Zealand's Struggles on Indian Soil

Winning an ODI match against India on Indian soil has proven to be a formidable challenge for the New Zealand team. For the past nine years, the Kiwi team has been unable to secure a single ODI victory against India in India, while their last triumph dates back to 2017, when they defeated India by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Cricket Stadium. Since that match, the New Zealand team has been yearning for a win on Indian soil. This extended wait will undoubtedly place additional pressure on the New Zealand players in the upcoming series, as they will be eager to break this long-standing drought. The Indian team will likely use this statistic to exert psychological pressure on their opponents.

Shubman Gill's Potential Captaincy

There is a strong possibility that Shubman Gill will be entrusted with the captaincy of the Indian team for this ODI series. Following his non-selection for the T20 World Cup 2026, his entire focus is now expected to be on the ODI format. He was sidelined from the previous ODI series due to an injury, during which KL Rahul took on the captaincy role against South Africa. Gill's potential appointment as captain would provide him with a significant opportunity to showcase his leadership abilities, marking a crucial step in his career. As a young captain, he will face the dual pressure of leading the team to victory and contributing Notably with his batting.

Significance of the Series and Future Outlook

This series serves as a vital opportunity for both teams to strengthen their preparations ahead of upcoming international commitments. The Indian team will aim to continue its unbeaten run on home soil, while New Zealand's objective will be to end their winning drought in India. It will also be a platform for players to assess their form and fitness, while fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive series, with both teams performing to their full potential. The return of India's star players and the potential captaincy of Shubman Gill will add an extra layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated contest.