In a thrilling development for cricket fans, Vadodara is poised to reclaim its spot on the international stage as it hosts its first men’s international match in over 15 years. On January 11, 2026, the newly constructed Kotambi Stadium will come alive with the roar of the crowd as India takes on New Zealand in the opening ODI of a highly anticipated white-ball tour. This marks a historic moment for the city, which last witnessed a men’s international game in December 2010 at the Reliance Stadium, where a young Gautam Gambhir smashed a match-winning century and Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 63.
Vadodara’s return to the international cricket calendar is more than just a match—it’s a celebration of the city’s rich cricketing legacy and a testament to its modern ambitions
The Kotambi Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue, is no stranger to high-stakes cricket. It has already proven its mettle by hosting three Women’s ODIs between India and West Indies in December 2024 and six matches during the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL). Now, it’s ready to shine under the global spotlight as it welcomes the first of three ODIs and five T20Is in New Zealand’s 2025-26 tour of India. This series, the first clash between the two sides since India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, promises to be a blockbuster.
The tour kicks off in Gujarat, with Vadodara setting the tone before the action shifts to Rajkot for the second ODI on January 14. The ODI leg wraps up in Indore on January 18, followed by a T20I extravaganza across central and eastern India. Nagpur (January 21) and Raipur (January 23) will host the first two T20Is, before the teams head east to Guwahati (January 25) and Visakhapatnam (January 28). The tour culminates in the scenic city of Thiruvananthapuram on January 31, where the fifth T20I will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for India ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted with Sri Lanka.
For New Zealand, the stakes are just as high. Fresh off their India tour, the Black Caps will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, fine-tuning their squad for the global showpiece. With India, the defending T20 World Cup champions, looking to assert their dominance, and New Zealand eager to upset the hosts, this series promises intense battles and unforgettable moments.
Vadodara’s return to the international cricket calendar is more than just a match—it’s a celebration of the city’s rich cricketing legacy and a testament to its modern ambitions. As Kotambi Stadium prepares to host this historic ODI, fans can expect a carnival of cricket, blending nostalgia with the excitement of a new era.
