Indian ODI captain Shubman Gill arrived at Vadodara Airport in preparation for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11. His arrival, along with the New Zealand team on the same day, generated excitement in the city. Fans warmly welcomed Gill at the airport, where he acknowledged their support with a smile.
The New Zealand team also received a spirited reception with loud cheers as they emerged from the terminal. Some players seemed surprised by the crowd’s size and captured the moment on video. Later in the day, Virat Kohli’s arrival at Vadodara Airport drew significant attention, with a large crowd chanting “Kohli, Kohli” as he made his way through. Despite tight security measures, chaos ensued when fans tried to catch a glimpse of him, requiring security assistance for Kohli to reach his car safely.
The first match of the three-game series between India and New Zealand will take place at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi. Anticipating a full house, fans are eager to witness their favorite players in action. This series marks Gill’s return to international cricket after being left out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad. With a commendable track record against New Zealand, having scored 623 runs in 12 matches, including two centuries and two half-centuries, Gill aims to rediscover his form in the ODI format.
Having last played an ODI during the Australia tour in the previous year, where he faced form challenges, Gill is determined to perform well against a Kane Williamson-less New Zealand side.
