From Ro-Ko to Shreyas… these 5 players can become X-Factor for Team India against New Zealand

By Samira Vishwas On Jan 10, 2026

IND vs NZ: Team India is fully prepared for the ODI series between India and New Zealand starting from January 11. This will be the first match of the Indian team in the year 2026.

IND vs NZ: Team India is fully prepared for the ODI series between India and New Zealand starting from January 11. This will be the first match of the Indian team in the year 2026. In this, captain Shubhman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer are returning to the team, who will strengthen the team. There are some names in this series who can single-handedly turn the tide of the match. Let us know about those players of the Indian team who can prove to be the X factor for the team.

Virat Kohli

The uncrowned king of ODI cricket, Virat Kohli will be the biggest attraction of this series. Kohli’s record in India against New Zealand has been excellent. Kohli’s mental strength in the run chase guarantees victory to Team India. After the South Africa series, Kohli’s eyes will once again be on scoring centuries on home grounds.

New year, fresh start 💪
📸 Glimpses from #TeamIndia‘s first training session in Vadodara ahead of the #INDvNZ ODIs 👌@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/itTwA5fKDF
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2026

Shreyas Iyer

The return of Shreyas Iyer after recovering from serious injury is the biggest relief for the team. Iyer’s batting at number 4 gives strength to India against the spinners. On pitches like Vadodara and Rajkot, where the ball may be a little slow, Iyer’s skill in rotating the strike will prove to be the X-factor.

Shubhman Gill

Captain Shubhman Gill will have double responsibility. Fans still remember Gill’s double century (208 runs) against New Zealand. Once Gill gets set in the opening, then the Kiwi bowlers have no plan left to stop him. He is an expert in taking full advantage of the powerplay.

Kuldeep Yadav

New Zealand batsmen are often seen struggling against wrist spinners. In such a situation, Kuldeep Yadav will be India’s most lethal weapon. His art of taking wickets in the middle overs will work to put brakes on New Zealand’s run rate. Kuldeep’s ‘Wrong-One’ will remain a puzzle for the Kiwi batsmen.

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Harshit Rana

In the absence of Mohammed Shami, it is almost certain that Harshit Rana will get a chance in the playing eleven. Harshit has impressed in recent domestic matches with his extra bounce and accurate yorkers. His variations in the death overs make him the dark horse of this series.