India began their 2026 international campaign on a confident note as captain Shubman Gill won the toss in the first ODI against New Zealand at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday. Staying true to expectations, Gill opted to bowl first on a surface expected to assist bowlers early on, setting the tone for the three-match series.
The toss also brought a key revelation from the New Zealand camp, with skipper Michael Bracewell confirming the inclusion of Indian-origin leg-spinner Adithya Ashok as the frontline spinner in the playing XI. The decision immediately drew attention, given Ashok’s growing reputation and unique journey in international cricket.
IND vs NZ 1st ODI Toss: What Did Shubman Gill Decide?
Winning the toss in the series opener, Gill showed confidence in his bowling unit and fielding conditions. Explaining the decision, the India captain highlighted the team’s preparation and chemistry.
“Everyone is coming after playing some matches, so everyone looks in good form. We’ve played a lot of cricket together, so you know, the environment is always nice and calm whenever we get together,” Gill said at the toss.
India’s decision to bowl first also reflected faith in their pace-heavy attack, backed by quality spin options for the middle overs.
Who is Adithya Ashok? Indian-Origin Spinner in New Zealand XI
One of the biggest talking points before the start of play was the inclusion of Adithya Ashok in New Zealand’s lineup. Ashok, a leg-spinner, was born in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, before his family moved abroad when he was just four years old. He later settled in New Zealand and steadily climbed the cricketing ladder.
Ashok made his international debut for New Zealand in 2023, three years after representing the country in the Under-19 World Cup held in South Africa in 2020. So far, he has featured in two ODIs and one T20I, picking up two wickets across formats.
Why Adithya Ashok Is Rated Highly in New Zealand Cricket
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull explained why Ashok is seen as a promising spinner within the cricket fraternity. Speaking before the start of the first ODI, Doull highlighted Ashok’s background and skillset.
“Chennai boy, originally from Tamil Nadu, and then his parents moved to Singapore, and then he found a job in New Zealand at a hospital, both in the hospital in Auckland and New Zealand. So, been there since the age of four, following in the footsteps of Ish Sodhi, of Ajaz Patel, Indian born, playing for New Zealand,” said Doull.
“We love them. Send more. Send more our way. We’re always looking for good spinners. Folks, if you’re any good, 13, 14, 15, a little bit younger, come on out,” he added.
Ashok’s domestic performances, including figures of 7/103 in a Plunket Shield match for Auckland in 2023, have further strengthened his case.
No Place for Arshdeep Singh in India Playing XI
India’s team selection saw a notable omission, with Arshdeep Singh missing out on the playing XI. The hosts opted for a three-pronged pace attack comprising Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna, alongside spin options Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The combination underlined India’s intent to exploit early movement while maintaining control through spin as the innings progressed.
IND vs NZ 1st ODI Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (w), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok.
With India opting to bowl and New Zealand fielding an intriguing mix of experience and youth, the Vadodara ODI set the stage for a closely watched contest to kick off the series.
