Ashwin Predicts India’s Playing XI for New Zealand ODI

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his predicted playing XI for the first ODI between India and New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026. His selection features three all-rounders, with Axar Patel expected to provide the spin option alongside a pace-heavy bowling attack.

Ashwin’s proposed lineup includes experienced names such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill at the top of the order. He has also backed Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy to feature, suggesting India could prioritise batting depth and additional all-round options for the opening match.

Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts India’s Playing XI for First ODI

Ashwin began his selection with an expected top and middle order. Captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are his preferred opening pair, followed by Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.

The former India international then included three all-rounders: Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel. Their inclusion would give India additional flexibility with both bat and ball, while also allowing the team to maintain depth in the batting order.

For the bowling department, Ashwin suggested that India could select three specialist seamers. With Jasprit Bumrah absent, Arshdeep Singh would be an important option to lead the pace attack. Ashwin considered Anshul Kamboj, Nabi and Gurnoor Brar as the other possible fast-bowling choices, with any two of the three potentially making the final XI.

His selection also leaves wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav out of the predicted lineup. Ashwin’s reasoning was that if India choose three all-rounders, Axar Patel could serve as the primary spin option, making it difficult to accommodate another specialist spinner.

Ashwin Explains Why Kuldeep Yadav Could Miss Out

Kuldeep Yadav’s possible omission is one of the notable aspects of Ashwin’s prediction. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been an important part of India’s limited-overs bowling plans, but Ashwin believes the team could prefer a combination that offers more batting depth and multiple bowling options.

With Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel all included, India would have three players capable of contributing in different departments. Axar’s left-arm spin could provide the main spin option, while the three seamers would handle the pace responsibilities.

Speaking on his programme ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin outlined his preferred combination and explained the selection dilemma involving the all-rounders and specialist bowlers.

“Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and then the three seamers. Maybe Arshdeep, Nabi, and Anshul. If Naman, Nitish, and Axar play, Kuldeep will be out. But I think he will have to sit out anyway because they will go with these three. I think any two from Anshul, Nabi, and Gurnoor can play,” he said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.

Ashwin’s comments indicate that the final bowling combination could depend on how the team management balances specialist pace options with the all-rounders. Arshdeep appears to be his preferred selection, while the remaining two places among the seamers could be decided from the available options.

India vs New Zealand: Predicted Playing XI According to Ashwin

Based on Ashwin’s selection, India’s predicted playing XI for the opening ODI is:

• Shubman Gill (captain)
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul
• Naman Dhir
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Axar Patel
• Arshdeep Singh
• One of Nabi, Anshul Kamboj or Gurnoor Brar
• One of the remaining two pace-bowling options

The final two pace-bowling positions remain uncertain in Ashwin’s assessment. Although he mentioned Nabi and Anshul as possible selections alongside Arshdeep, he also identified Gurnoor Brar as an alternative. The team combination will determine which two players join Arshdeep in the attack.

India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026: Full Schedule

The first ODI will take place on Wednesday, November 4, before the teams move across New Zealand for the remaining matches. The five-match series will continue through November 15, with Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui hosting the subsequent fixtures.

• 1st ODI: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
• 2nd ODI: Saturday, November 7, 2026, Wellington
• 3rd ODI: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Hamilton
• 4th ODI: Friday, November 13, 2026, Mount Maunganui
• 5th ODI: Sunday, November 15, 2026, Mount Maunganui

The opening match will offer India an opportunity to carry their confidence from the T20I series into the 50-over format. The visitors will aim to build momentum early, while New Zealand will look to use home conditions to challenge India’s batting and bowling combinations.

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head ODI Record

India and New Zealand have played 123 men’s ODI matches against each other. India hold the overall advantage, having recorded 63 victories compared with New Zealand’s 52 wins. However, the head-to-head record in New Zealand presents a more challenging picture for the visitors.

Of the 45 ODIs played in New Zealand, the hosts have won 26, while India have secured 14 victories. One match ended in a tie, and four games produced no result. These figures underline New Zealand’s stronger record on home soil, where conditions can make life difficult for visiting teams.

India’s previous ODI Series in New Zealand also ended without a series victory. The visitors lost the three-match contest 0-1 after the hosts won the opening game. The remaining two matches were abandoned because of rain, preventing India from levelling the series.

Can India Carry Their T20I Momentum into the ODI Series?

India will enter the ODI leg after winning the T20I series and will be keen to maintain that momentum. A positive start in the first match could help the visitors build confidence before the teams travel to Wellington and Hamilton for the next fixtures.

The selection of three all-rounders, as suggested by Ashwin, would offer India several options while constructing their playing XI. Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy could add batting depth, while Axar Patel would provide an additional spin-bowling option. The approach could also allow India to field three specialist fast bowlers.

However, leaving Kuldeep Yadav out would represent a significant selection decision, particularly given his role as a specialist wrist-spinner. India’s final combination will depend on the team’s assessment of conditions, bowling balance and the batting depth required for the opening match.

Ashwin’s predicted XI offers one possible approach, but the official team selection will confirm whether India opt for three all-rounders or include an additional specialist bowler. With a five-match series ahead, the opening ODI will provide an early indication of India’s preferred combination and their plans for the New Zealand conditions.