IND vs NZ 1st ODI Playing 11: Shreyas Iyer In, No Rishabh Pant? India Predicted Lineup

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India are up against New Zealand for the 1st ODI on Sunday (January 11) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

As Shubman Gill returns as captain, the Men in Blue will be hoping to make a positive start to the new calendar year.

The top order looks formidable, starting with the explosive Rohit Sharma opening the innings alongside skipper Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli, the chase master, slots in at number three, bringing his unmatched consistency to the fore. Shreyas Iyer, returning from a brief injury layoff, will bat at four, providing stability in the middle order.

Rohit and Virat are coming into the series on the back of excellent form respectively. The duo had a superb outing against Aussies and the Proteas and then smashed centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shreyas Iyer was out of action for a spleen laceration, but has played two decent knocks for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare, which were part of his rehearsal and fitness plan.

KL Rahul takes up the wicketkeeping duties and bats at five, offering flexibility with his dual skills. The all-round department will be followed by the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, while Nitish Reddy may get a chance if India opt to go with two frontline seamers.

The bowling attack is likely to feature wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for variety, supported by pacers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh to lead the seam department. Again, Harshit Rana can be slotted in as the third pacer in this side.

New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, will pose a challenge with their mix of youth and experience, but India's lineup appears tailored for the batting-friendly conditions expected in Vadodara.

IND vs NZ 1st ODI: India Predicted Playing 11

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj