Auckland, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India won the toss and elected to bowl against New Zealand in the opening ODI at Eden Park on Wednesday, with captain Shubman Gill opting for a four-pronged pace attack featuring debutant Auqib Nabi.
India have included Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh as their four specialist fast bowlers, while Axar Patel and Naman Dhir will provide the all-round options.
Gill said the decision to bowl was influenced by overcast conditions and the possibility of a reduction in overs, which could make chasing a better option. He also pointed out that the conditions in New Zealand offered useful preparation for the playing conditions expected at the ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The series marks India’s return to a five-match ODI contest for the first time since March 2019. The spotlight is also on the return of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India begin their preparations for the next World Cup.
New Zealand have also been forced to make changes because of injuries. Regular opener Devon Conway was ruled out after colliding with Matt Henry during training, giving Tim Seifert an opportunity at the top of the order. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra are also recovering from injuries.
India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, while Prasidh Krishna has also been ruled out with an injury.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his side had also opted for four pacers, with rotation becoming necessary amid a demanding schedule.
Playing XIs
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner.
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