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India vs. New Zealand: Squads and Probable XIs Revealed

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 21:21 GMT by sportskeeda.com
      Locales: INDIA, NEW ZEALAND

Squad Dynamics and Probable Playing 11s

India, under the continued captaincy of Rohit Sharma, enters this series with a refreshed squad, incorporating some exciting new talent alongside seasoned veterans. The batting order is expected to be anchored by Sharma himself, alongside Virat Kohli, whose consistency remains a cornerstone of the Indian middle order. Shreyas Iyer's recent form makes him a strong contender for the number four slot, while the explosive Rishabh Pant, having fully recovered from his injuries, is expected to take the wicket-keeping duties. All eyes will be on the promising young batter, Dhruv Jurel, who has impressed in domestic cricket and may be given an opportunity to showcase his skills. The bowling attack will likely be led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, forming a formidable pace trio. The spin department will see a battle for places between Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, with the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens likely to dictate the final selection.

Probable India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami.

New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, arrives in India with a balanced squad blending experience and youthful exuberance. The Kiwis are known for their adaptability and fighting spirit, and will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to the hosts. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls are expected to form the core of the New Zealand batting lineup, with Williamson providing stability and leadership. Daryl Mitchell, a proven performer in limited-overs cricket, adds firepower to the middle order. The bowling attack will rely heavily on Trent Boult's swing and seam movement, complemented by the pace of Lockie Ferguson and the all-round abilities of Jimmy Neesham. The spin responsibilities will likely fall on Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

Probable New Zealand XI: Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson.

Pitch Report: Eden Gardens - A Sporting Track

The Eden Gardens pitch is renowned for being a sporting track that offers a fair balance between bat and ball. While traditionally assisting seam bowlers with early morning moisture, the pitch tends to flatten out as the game progresses, becoming more conducive to strokeplay. Expect a good bounce and carry, allowing batsmen to play their shots. The presence of cracks could potentially offer assistance to the spinners later in the innings, making it a fascinating contest between both pace and spin.

Weather Forecast: Kolkata Set for a Sunny Day

The weather forecast for Kolkata today is largely favorable, with clear skies and a high of 28?C expected. There's minimal chance of rain, ensuring a full day's play. The pleasant conditions will undoubtedly contribute to a high-scoring encounter. Dew might be a factor in the latter stages of the match, potentially making it easier for the team batting second.

Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

For Indian viewers, the match will be live streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, with television coverage on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 2. New Zealand fans can catch all the action on Spark Sport, with Sky Sport providing television coverage. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide can access live updates and scores on various sports websites and apps.

Key Battles and Series Outlook

The series promises several intriguing battles. The clash between Jasprit Bumrah and Kane Williamson will be a key contest, with Bumrah's ability to swing the ball early on posing a significant threat to Williamson's elegant strokeplay. Similarly, the duel between Virat Kohli and Trent Boult will be captivating, as Kohli looks to negotiate Boult's swinging deliveries.

This three-match series isn't just about winning; it's about building momentum and fine-tuning strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Both teams will be eager to experiment with their lineups and assess the depth of their squads. A closely contested series is anticipated, with both India and New Zealand possessing the firepower to emerge victorious. The Eden Gardens is poised to witness a memorable day of cricket, setting the stage for an exciting ODI series.