India vs New Zealand 2026: 3rd ODI Match Preview | ESPN
As the stage is set for the third ODI match between India and New Zealand in 2026, anticipation is high. This encounter could mark a significant moment for New Zealand as they seek their first ODI series win in India. Historically, New Zealand has played 16 ODIs on Indian soil but has yet to emerge victorious in any series. Their past attempts include some notable low scores, such as being bowled out for just 79 runs in 2016.
Historical Context
New Zealand has previously faced India in crucial tournaments, including four World Cups and a Champions Trophy, but without clinching a series victory. Their last chance to force a decider was in 2017, where they failed to chase down a modest target of 90 runs.
Current Team Form
India’s Strength
India is coming off an impressive track record, having recently been crowned champions of the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy. They possess a strong lineup that includes established players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the promising Shubman Gill who is on the verge of reaching 3,000 ODI runs.
New Zealand’s Challenge
In contrast, New Zealand enters the match with a relatively inexperienced squad. Of their players, eight are first-time visitors to India. They will need to leverage their recent Test series success, where they achieved a whitewash victory, to find confidence in the ODI format.
- India’s last five ODIs: LWWLW
- New Zealand’s last five ODIs: WLWWW
Key Players to Watch
A focal point of this series has been the matchup between Kuldeep Yadav and Daryl Mitchell. In the previous match, Mitchell capitalized on Kuldeep’s bowling, turning the game in New Zealand’s favor. Kuldeep will be eager for redemption in this decider.
Team News and Selection
India has made some adjustments to their lineup, calling up offspin-bowling all-rounder Ayush Badoni for injured Washington Sundar. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who played in the second match, could see competition from Badoni for a place in the playing XI. Conversely, New Zealand may look to include a wrist-spinner to counter India’s right-hand dominated batting order.
- Probable India XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy/Ayush Badoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
- Probable New Zealand XI: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (c), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Adithya Ashok/Jayden Lennox
Match Conditions
The match is set to take place in Indore, a venue known for high-scoring encounters. With temperatures suitable for cricket, the conditions look favorable for batting. Past performances at this venue include notable scores like 399 and 418 runs.
Statistics to Note
Ravindra Jadeja has struggled for significant scores at home, with only two fifties in over a decade. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill needs just 70 runs to become the second-quickest player to reach 3,000 ODI runs, a record currently held by Hashim Amla.
As the match approaches, both teams will aim to capitalize on their strengths and strategies. Fans can expect an engaging contest as India and New Zealand vie for supremacy in this critical ODI encounter.
