IND vs NZ 2025: The cricket world is focused on the intense vibe in Vadodara. The Indian Cricket team are getting ready to host the Black Caps for a high-stakes ODI series starting January 11. Energy pulsates across the city. Fans are excited to see their stars back in the 50-over game after a long run of domestic and international matches.
Both teams have a lot on the line. Still, the home crowd really wants to see their experienced players take charge. This series is about more than just a regular matchup. It is a vital chance for India to settle their batting order against a tough New Zealand side that gave them trouble in Test cricket recently.
Irfan Pathan makes predictions for the IND vs NZ ODI series
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan adds to the buzz with some big predictions for India's batters. Talking to reporters at the Mumbai airport, Pathan brushes off any concerns about the senior players being out of practice. Instead, he predicts a massive scoring spree for the home team.
The former India all-rounder says he is certain that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will hit centuries during these three games. He bases this belief on their natural talent and recent form.
Pathan also shares that same confidence when talking about the younger players. He says captain Shubman Gill has a great shot at hitting a hundred too. This puts a lot of pressure on the top order to deliver against the Kiwi bombers.
“One hundred per cent (Rohit and Virat will hit centuries). Rohit will also hit a century, and Shubman will do it too,"Pathan was quoted by Sports Tak.
IND vs NZ 2025: How have Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma performed recently?
The latest form of the two stars gives Pathan plenty of reason to be confident. They recently ripped through bowling attacks in both the South Africa series and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Virat Kohli started the series in incredible form. He crushed the South African bowlers to win the Player of the Series award.
The 37-year-old put up 302 runs, including a brilliant 135 in the first ODI. He kept that momentum going in domestic cricket. Playing for Delhi against Andhra, he smashed 131 runs off only 101 balls. Rohit Sharma was just as sharp. The Indian opener returned to List A cricket for Mumbai with a massive 155 not out against Sikkim. He hit that mark in just 62 balls. These innings are a scary warning for the New Zealand bowlers.
However, the most pressure is on young captain Shubman Gill. While the veterans can play with the freedom of legends, Gill has to balance his own scoring with the weight of leading the team. Critics and fans keep comparing him to Kohli. This creates a tough situation where he is expected to be perfect every game.
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He missed out on the T20 World Cup squad, which still hurts. Now, the Indian ODI captain is out to prove he belongs at the top of the white-ball game. Leading a team full of superstars takes a lot of mental strength. Gill needs to put up big scores to silence the critics who doubt his ability to handle high-pressure run chases.
