Auckland: Cricket fans in India can follow the opening ODI between India and New Zealand through Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV, with a free-to-air television option also available on DD Sports. The first match of the five-game series is being played at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The match was scheduled to begin at 7.30 am Indian Standard Time (IST), with the toss at 7 am. In New Zealand, play is scheduled to start at 3 pm local time.
The series marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to India’s ODI line-up. Shubman Gill is leading the side for the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer is set to captain India in the final two games.
India began the ODI leg after winning the preceding five-match T20I series 3-2. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will look to make use of home conditions in the 50-over contest.
Where to watch India vs New Zealand 1st ODI live on TV
The first ODI is being telecast live in India on the Sony Sports Network. Viewers with access to the relevant Sony Sports channels through their television service can watch the match live.
The match is also listed for free-to-air television coverage on DD Sports. Viewers should check their television provider and channel availability for the broadcast.
How to watch India vs New Zealand live online
Online streaming of the India vs New Zealand first ODI is available through the SonyLIV app and website in India.
SonyLIV requires an active subscription to access the live match. Fans planning to watch on a smartphone, tablet, computer or compatible smart television can use the platform’s official app or website.
The free-to-air television option on DD Sports should not be confused with free online streaming. The available broadcast information identifies SonyLIV as the digital streaming platform and DD Sports as a television option.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI |
| Date | Wednesday, 4 November 2026 |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Start time | 7.30 am IST |
| Toss time | 7 am IST |
| India captain | Shubman Gill |
| New Zealand captain | Mitchell Santner |
| TV broadcast in India | Sony Sports Network; DD Sports |
| Online streaming in India | SonyLIV |
The match is the first of a five-ODI series between the two teams. All five fixtures are scheduled to begin at 7.30 am IST.
Full India vs New Zealand ODI series schedule
The five-match series will be played across four venues in New Zealand. The opening three matches are scheduled in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton, followed by two games at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
| Match | Date | Venue | Start time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 4 November 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland | 7.30 am |
| 2nd ODI | 7 November 2026 | Wellington | 7.30 am |
| 3rd ODI | 10 November 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 7.30 am |
| 4th ODI | 13 November 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7.30 am |
| 5th ODI | 15 November 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7.30 am |
The schedule gives both sides five opportunities to test their combinations ahead of future international assignments.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to ODI cricket
The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is one of the major talking points of the series. Both players have retired from T20I and Test cricket and are now focusing on the 50-over format.
Their experience will be important as India look to build a settled ODI combination. Rohit is expected to provide leadership and attacking intent at the top of the order, while Kohli will be a key figure in the middle order.
Gill will lead India in the first three matches before Iyer takes over for the final two. The arrangement provides an opportunity to manage leadership responsibilities across the series.
For New Zealand, Santner will lead a side seeking to make a strong start at home. The hosts will look to use their familiarity with local conditions to challenge India’s batting and bowling combinations.
India look to carry T20I momentum into the ODI series
India enter the ODI assignment after winning the five-match T20I series 3-2. The team will now look to adapt to the longer format and establish its plans for the 50-over game.
The series is also an opportunity to assess players competing for places in India’s ODI set-up. The team management will be interested in the balance between specialist batters, all-rounders and bowlers as it works towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With five matches scheduled in a short period, player management and consistency will be important for both teams.
For viewers in India, the first ODI is available on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV, while DD Sports offers a free-to-air television option. The match began at 7.30 am IST on Wednesday, 4 November, at Eden Park in Auckland.