India have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since March 2019, when Australia overturned a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2, including the decider in Delhi. The Black Caps have toured India for bilateral ODIs since 1989 but have never won a series in India and this is arguably their best opportunity to break that barren run. India head coach Gautam Gambhir would not like another tumbling at home under his regime after getting several unwanted firsts. India lost five Tests at home under Gambhir apart from losing an ODI series in Sri Lanka for the first time. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, remains the fulcrum around which India's ODI batting revolves.

Source: Indian Express January 17, 2026 11:55 UTC