India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Return as Teams Begin World Cup Preparations

India will begin their five-match ODI series against New Zealand on Wednesday, November 4, at Eden Park in Auckland, with the opening match offering both sides an opportunity to strengthen their preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The contest is expected to attract considerable attention as senior Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the 50-over format.

India enter the series after winning the preceding T20I series 3-2. Shubman Gill will captain the Indian side for the first three ODIs, while the return of Rohit and Kohli is expected to strengthen the batting department. Their experience will be important as India look to establish a settled combination ahead of the World Cup.

New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner, with the hosts hoping to use home conditions to their advantage. However, the team has suffered several injury setbacks ahead of the opening encounter. Opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first ODI after sustaining a concussion during a training-ground collision with teammate Matt Henry. Henry’s availability is also being monitored, while Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman are unavailable because of injuries.

India will also be without several key players. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series, while Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out. Auqib Nabi has been included as a replacement, giving the Indian management another bowling option.

The conditions at Eden Park could present a challenge for India. The visitors have won only four of their 11 previous ODI matches against New Zealand at the Auckland venue. Their most recent appearance there, in 2022, ended in a seven-wicket defeat. With experienced players returning and both teams dealing with selection concerns, the opening ODI will provide an early indication of their preparations and combinations for the longer-term international challenge.