How New Zealand are gunning for first ODI series win in India with second-string team
That the Kiwis arrive in Indore at 1-1 with a chance to win an ODI series for the first time in 11 attempts – with a second-string squad that contains eight players who have never even visited India – speaks to some typical Kiwi traits.
New Zealand's players during a practice session ahead of the third ODI cricket match of the series between India and New Zealand, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (PTI Photo)
When the squads were announced for the ODI leg of New Zealand’s tour of India, it seemed a foregone conclusion. The Kiwis were resting most of their key players for the T20I series and the following World Cup on these shores. India did do a bit of the same, leaving out Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. But with the batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma back in the runs and ready for another showing, coupled with the added boost of skipper Shubman Gill’s return, India looked vastly superior in all elements.
That the Kiwis arrive in Indore at 1-1 with a chance to win an ODI series for the first time in 11 attempts – with a second-string squad that contains eight players who have never even visited India – speaks to some typical Kiwi traits. They are making the best of their available talent, focusing on player development despite limited resources compared to their opponents, and craftily turning journeymen into match-winners.
The surprise at the competitiveness fell out of Mohammed Siraj’s mouth when speaking ahead of the third ODI. “The atmosphere is very good. We are getting a lot of input from the seniors. It feels like a high-pressure situation, almost like a World Cup final. Such situations are very rare in India, so it is a great opportunity for us,” he told media on Saturday.
Sly patronising aside, there is genuine credit to be given to New Zealand’s competitiveness. They gave Jayden Lennox, the 31-year-old left-arm finger spinner, a debut in Rajkot and his tight middle-overs spell effectively ensured India would not post a 300+ score. In the same game, Kristian Clarke, the 24-year-old quick who’s useful with the bat, in his debut series, broke through India’s top order with three big wickets – Rohit, Kohli, Shreyas Iyer – in a spell that had match-winning quality. In the first game in Vadodara, 23-year-old Zak Foulkes, in just his third ODI, put together the kind of tight new-ball spell that was key to making the chase tough for India at the end.
New Zealand’s captain Michael Bracewell, left, with teammate Glenn Phillips during a practice session ahead of the third ODI cricket match of the series between India and New Zealand, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (PTI Photo)
New Zealand have only recently breached one barrier. Not only did their Test team win a first series in India in 2024, but also became the only team to whitewash them at home in a three-match series. That was also an unheralded team not given much of a chance, missing their batting star Kane Williamson and led by the opener Tom Latham. Doing the same here in the ODI format is arguably even more creditable, given how many new faces they are fielding.
Allrounder Glenn Phillips, who was part of the history-making Test team, played down the prospect of making history with all the usual professional-speak about staying in the moment and treating every match the same. But he had to admit it had been in the players’ minds. “The inspiration that comes from (the Test series win) is the fact that doing things that haven’t been done before are possible,” he said on Saturday. “Making history is pretty cool, and the opportunities do it are very few and far between.”
Sunday’s game remains a big hurdle given that a batting-friendly surface is expected against a motivated Indian team that will be determined to avoid another home humiliation. But greater obstacles have been overcome by this generation of New Zealanders who have made a habit of punching above their weight.
Namit Kumar is a Senior Sports Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. He is known for his versatile reporting across several major sports disciplines.
Professional Profile
Specializations: He covers a wide variety of sports including tennis, football, cricket, and motorsports.
Focus: His writing often delves into the finer details and technical analysis of the sports he covers.
Social Media: You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @namitkumar_17.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
Namit’s recent work focuses heavily on international cricket series and domestic tournaments, as well as high-profile global tennis events:
International Cricket (India vs South Africa Series):
"Intelligence, skill, and heart: How Arshdeep Singh took out Reeza Hendricks" (Dec 15, 2025) — A detailed analysis of Arshdeep's tactical comeback in the T20I series.
"How India's seamers froze South Africa in chilly Dharamshala" (Dec 14, 2025).
"Why India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill losing form, is the start of a blunt headache" (Dec 12, 2025) — An analytical piece on the statistics and form of India's leadership duo.
"Quinton de Kock dismantles Indian bowling combination with silent savagery" (Dec 11, 2025).
Domestic Cricket (Ranji Trophy):
"Ranji Trophy: J&K conquer Kotla and Delhi for first time" (Nov 11, 2025) — Reporting on the historic first win for Jammu & Kashmir over Delhi in the tournament's history.
"What makes J&K pacer Auqib Nabi special" (Nov 8, 2025) — A profile on the pacer's accuracy and swing.
"Unearthing the next Virat Kohli still a while away but Delhi's young batting talent full of promise" (Oct 24, 2025).
Tennis and Golf:
"Jannik Sinner's winter-time madness: How Italian refined his game to beat Alcaraz" (Nov 17, 2025) — A deep dive into Sinner’s technical improvements following his US Open loss.
"Everyone's come to watch Rory McIlroy but keep an eye out for 'people's champion' Tommy Fleetwood" (Oct 17, 2025).
Football Tactics:
"Why are long throw-ins giving football defenders and lawmakers a headache?" (Nov 2, 2025) — An analytical piece on the evolving strategies surrounding throw-ins in modern football.
Reporting Style
Namit is active in covering the Delhi sports scene, providing detailed match reports for international cricket matches and Ranji Trophy fixtures at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He also provides on-the-ground reporting for happenings in the city, such as his recent coverage of the DP World India Championship golf event. Additionally, he actively writes on tennis, analysing matches and reporting on major events, especially during the Grand Slam tournaments. ... Read More
New Zealand’s captain Michael Bracewell, left, with teammate Glenn Phillips during a practice session ahead of the third ODI cricket match of the series between India and New Zealand, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (PTI Photo)
