Rohit-Kohli Back in Action as India Chase 301 Against New Zealand in Vadodara ODI

Captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma begin India’s reply after Kiwis post 300/8; Mitchell’s 84 anchors visitors’ innings at Kotambi Stadium

VADODARA — The stage is set for an exciting chase at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi as India need 300 runs from 49.1 overs in the first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday evening. Captain Shubman Gill and veteran opener Rohit Sharma have begun India’s innings after the visitors posted a competitive 300 for 8 in their 50 overs.

New Zealand Build Solid Foundation

New Zealand produced a composed batting effort after being asked to bat first, with half-centuries from Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell ensuring the visitors had a solid platform.

The opening pair of Conway and Nicholls laid the groundwork with a century partnership, negotiating the Indian new-ball attack with confidence. Both left-handers rotated strike effectively and found boundaries at regular intervals on what appeared to be a good batting surface.

Conway fell for 56 while Nicholls contributed 62 before India’s bowlers struck back in the middle overs. Harshit Rana proved to be the breakthrough bowler, dismissing both well-set openers to swing momentum India’s way.

Mitchell Stands Firm

Despite the fall of wickets around him, Daryl Mitchell continued his impressive record against India with a fluent knock. The all-rounder, who has troubled India in World Cup encounters previously, reached his 12th ODI half-century and kept the scoreboard ticking.

Mitchell’s fluent 84 off 71 balls ended in the 48th over, but debutant Kristian Clarke’s unbeaten 24 ensured New Zealand finished exactly on 300 after 50 overs.

Indian Bowlers Fight Back

Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling response with crucial wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav provided the spin threat in the middle overs. The leg-spinner trapped Glenn Phillips as India attempted to restrict New Zealand’s total.

Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with important breakthroughs, while the returning Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar supported the bowling effort. Despite some missed opportunities in the field, India managed to keep New Zealand to exactly 300, preventing a bigger total.

The Chase Begins

With the target set, all eyes turned to India’s star-studded batting lineup. Captain Shubman Gill, returning after injury, and the experienced Rohit Sharma walked out to begin the chase under lights at the Kotambi Stadium.

The opening over saw Rohit get off the mark, with India looking to make the most of the powerplay overs. Behind them, the formidable middle order featuring Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul waits in the wings.

Kohli-Rohit Reunited

This match marks a significant moment as it brings together India’s senior batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI colors once again. Both veterans have been in excellent touch in recent domestic cricket and will be crucial to India’s chase.

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose recent run-making in domestic cricket has reinforced their importance in the 50-over format.

For Kohli, this is his 309th ODI appearance, currently the only format he plays for India. The packed Kotambi Stadium crowd eagerly anticipates another match-winning innings from the modern-day legend.

Captain Gill’s Challenge

Shubman Gill finds himself in dual roles, leading the side while also needing to contribute significantly with the bat. His return to the ODI setup comes after missing the T20 World Cup squad, and he will be keen to make a statement with both captaincy and performance.

The pitch at Kotambi Stadium has shown good batting characteristics, though the evening dew could play a factor as the chase progresses. India opted to field first anticipating these conditions, and now must capitalize on what should be a good surface for batting.

Historic Venue Debut

This match represents the first men’s ODI at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, adding special significance to the occasion. Previously, the venue had hosted only three women’s ODIs between India and West Indies in December 2024, all won convincingly by India.

The new venue has been specially prepared for this series, with both teams experiencing the conditions for the first time. The BCA has pulled out all stops to mark the return of cricket’s biggest stars to Vadodara after 15 years.

Series Context

This three-match ODI series serves different purposes for both teams. For India, it represents an opportunity to assert dominance at home and continue building toward future ICC events. The return of key players like Gill and Shreyas Iyer strengthens an already formidable lineup.

For New Zealand, fielding a relatively inexperienced squad under Michael Bracewell’s captaincy, the series provides valuable exposure to Indian conditions ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beginning next month. The visitors are mixing established performers like Mitchell, Conway and Glenn Phillips with emerging talent.

What Lies Ahead

As India’s chase unfolds under the Vadodara lights, the equation is straightforward: score 301 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. With the batting firepower at their disposal and familiar home conditions, India will start as favorites.

However, New Zealand’s fighting total and varied bowling attack means nothing can be taken for granted. The next couple of hours will reveal whether India’s star-studded lineup can successfully chase down the target or if the Kiwis can defend their total and claim an important away victory.

The second ODI is scheduled for January 14 in Rajkot, followed by the series finale in Indore on January 18.