Cricket fans are getting ready for an exciting contest as India take on New Zealand in the first One Day International (ODI) of their 2026 tour. The match will bring two competitive international teams together at Eden Park in Auckland, where both sides will look to begin the ODI series with a strong performance.
India will be led by Shubman Gill for the first three ODIs, while New Zealand will be captained by Mitchell Santner. With experienced players and promising talent in both squads, the opening match promises an interesting contest.
In this guide, find the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 schedule, match date, start time, venue, announced squads and important match details.
IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026: Match Overview
The first ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Here are the key match details:
Match: New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI
Series: India Tour of New Zealand 2026
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Time: 7:30 AM IST
Local Time: 3:00 PM NZDT
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Format: One Day International (50 overs)
India Captain: Shubman Gill
New Zealand Captain: Mitchell Santner
The match time and venue are listed by the BCCI and Eden Park's official event information.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026 Schedule
The 2026 ODI series features five matches across different venues in New Zealand. The teams will travel between Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
Here is the complete ODI schedule:
1st ODI: 4 November 2026 – Auckland
2nd ODI: 7 November 2026 – Wellington
3rd ODI: 10 November 2026 – Hamilton
4th ODI: 13 November 2026 – Mount Maunganui
5th ODI: 15 November 2026 – Mount Maunganui
All five matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM IST.
IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026 Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
The opening ODI will take place at Eden Park in Auckland. It is one of New Zealand's best-known sporting venues and regularly hosts major cricket and rugby events.
Eden Park is known for its distinctive atmosphere and relatively compact boundaries compared with many larger international cricket grounds. These features can make batting and bowling strategies particularly interesting.
What makes Eden Park special?
It is a major international sports venue in Auckland.
It hosts international cricket matches.
Its atmosphere can create an exciting experience for spectators.
Ground dimensions and conditions can influence batting and fielding strategies.
The first ODI is scheduled at Eden Park on 4 November 2026.
India Squad for the 1st ODI 2026
The BCCI announced India's ODI squad for the New Zealand tour on 16 October 2026. Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three matches.
The following players were selected for the first three ODIs, with subsequent changes announced by the ICC on 30 October:
India squad for the 1st ODI:
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel
Naman Dhir
Anshul Kamboj
Gurnoor Brar
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Arshdeep Singh
Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
Mohammed Siraj
Kuldeep Yadav
Important squad update: Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the ODI series after failing to receive fitness clearance. Nitish Kumar Reddy is available for the first ODI only.
New Zealand Squad for the 1st ODI 2026
New Zealand have also announced separate squads for the first three and final two ODIs. Mitchell Santner will lead the team throughout the series.
New Zealand squad for the first three ODIs:
Mitchell Santner (Captain)
Michael Bracewell
Mark Chapman
Devon Conway
Jacob Duffy
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
Tom Latham (Wicketkeeper)
Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips
Rachin Ravindra
Nathan Smith
Blair Tickner
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra's return from a shoulder injury is one of the notable points in New Zealand's squad selection.
Key Players to Watch in IND vs NZ 1st ODI
Both teams have experienced international players who can influence the result. Here are some names cricket fans will want to watch.
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is known for his attacking batting style and ability to build big ODI innings. His experience at the top of the order could be valuable for India.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli brings consistency, match awareness and experience to India's batting lineup. His ability to handle pressure makes him an important player in the opening ODI.
3. Shubman Gill
As India's captain for the first three ODIs, Shubman Gill will have responsibility both as a batter and a leader. His performance could play an important role in India's series campaign.
4. Mitchell Santner
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is an important all-round option. His left-arm spin and ability to contribute with the bat give his team flexibility.
5. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra is a versatile player who can contribute with both bat and ball. His return to the ODI squad adds another option to New Zealand's lineup.
India vs New Zealand: What to Expect from the Match
The first ODI could be an interesting test of how both teams adapt to New Zealand's home conditions. India have a strong batting group featuring experienced players, while New Zealand will look to use their familiarity with local conditions.
A few important factors could influence the match:
Opening partnership: A good start can help either team build a competitive total.
Middle-order batting: Partnerships and the ability to handle pressure will be important.
Bowling performance: Taking wickets at regular intervals can prevent the opposition from building momentum.
Fielding: Sharp catching and quick fielding can make a difference in a close ODI.
Ground conditions: The pitch, weather and boundary dimensions may influence team strategies.
The official playing XIs and final match-day conditions should be checked closer to the toss.
Where to Watch India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026?
Cricket fans in India should check the official broadcaster and streaming-platform announcements closer to match day for confirmed television and online viewing details.
For updated match information, follow:
The official BCCI website.
The ICC website.
New Zealand Cricket's official website.
The official match centre and authorised broadcasters.
Conclusion
The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 will begin a five-match ODI series on 4 November at Eden Park, Auckland. With Shubman Gill leading India and Mitchell Santner captaining New Zealand, both teams will look to make a positive start.
India's experienced batting lineup and New Zealand's balanced squad provide plenty of interesting match-ups. Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting opening contest as the two sides prepare for the ODI series.
FAQ'S
The first ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM IST.
The match will be played at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs of the series.
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the five-match ODI series.
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Sources and review notes
References used to check facts, freshness, and reader-safe recommendations in this guide.
BCCI official squad announcement, ICC squad updates and Eden Park's official event listing.
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