India vs New Zealand: 3 Player battles to watch out for in the ODI series

India and New Zealand will play a series of three ODIs starting January 11. The first ODI will be played at the aforementioned date at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. The second ODI will be played on January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. The third and final ODI will be played on January 18 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.

Both the Indian squad and the New Zealand squad have stars in their ranks. India has the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Shubman Gill, amongst others. On the other hand, New Zealand has Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, and more.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the top 3 player battles in the upcoming ODI series.

Here are the 3 player battles to watch out for in the India vs. New Zealand ODI series:

1. Virat Kohli vs. Kyle Jamieson

Virat Kohli had an excellent 2025, scoring 651 runs with an average of 65.10, including three centuries and four fifties, with the best score of 135. He was also part of India’s 2025 Champions Trophy-winning squad as well and has done well towards the fag end of the year as well, with twin centuries in South Africa ODIs.

Kyle Jamieson will lead the New Zealand pace attack due to injuries to other first-choice fast bowlers. Due to injuries, Jamieson has played only 20 ODIs since his debut in 2020, taking 24 wickets at an economy of 5.20 and best bowling of 3/44. He has been a supporting bowler but will have the chance to impress as the lead pacer.

2. Daryl Mitchell vs. Kuldeep Yadav

Daryl Mitchell has a very good ODI record, with 2338 runs at an average of 53.13 in 56 games, with seven tons and 11 fifties, with a best score of 134. He had a gala time against India in the 2023 World Cup, hitting two centuries against the Men in Blue. He also has a good game against Indian spinners as well.

His best counter will be India employing Kuldeep Yadav to keep Mitchell quiet. Kuldeep has 191 wickets in 117 ODIs, with an economy of 5.02 and best bowling figures of 6/25. Kuldeep Yadav has been the premier wicket-taker for India and has also kept the runs down in middle overs. If Kuldeep accounts for Mitchell early on, it will hurt New Zealand’s hopes of a big score.  

3. Devon Conway vs. Arshdeep Singh

Devon Conway will be the anchor of the New Zealand team, as he will open the innings in the ODI series. He has the knack of getting set and then progressing to score a big score and helping his team. He has a chink in his armor outside the off stump and will need to take care in the same vein.

Arshdeep Singh will be the key bowler for India with the new ball. He has a knack for taking wickets upfront, and if he gets New Zealand openers out early, India will have a massive advantage. Especially if Arshdeep gets Conway out early, it will be immensely helpful for the Men in Blue.

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