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India and New Zealand begin ODI series in Auckland after rain delays toss
India and New Zealand are opening an ODI series in Auckland, with the toss delayed by rain.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are central to India's plans as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
New Zealand's seam attack, led by Matt Henry, could test the pair with swing, bounce and movement.
India are without Jasprit Bumrah, who is resting, while Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana are unavailable.
Mohammed Siraj will lead India's less experienced pace attack, with several other bowlers offering limited ODI experience.
The series gives India a chance to assess how its senior batters handle New Zealand's bowlers and how the bowling group performs without its usual first choices.
The toss and start of play await improved weather, with umpires inspecting the conditions after the rain.
India and New Zealand began their ODI series at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Rain delayed the toss, and the pitch was fully covered before umpires went out to inspect conditions.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were among the main attractions as the series opener got under way.
India’s pace attack was relatively inexperienced, with Mohammed Siraj expected to lead it.
The series was described as part of the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Who
- India and New Zealand, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli among the players in focus.
- What
- The teams began their ODI series; rain delayed the toss.
- When
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Why
- The series was an important stage in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ODI series was described as part of the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rain left the pitch fully covered, and the toss had not taken place.
The pitch cover was removed and umpires went out to inspect conditions.
- Venue
- Eden Park, Auckland
- Match
- First ODI of the India-New Zealand series
- Toss
- Delayed by rain
- India pace attack
- Mohammed Siraj was expected to lead
- World Cup
- 2027 ODI World Cup