The five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand turned out to be a topsy-turvy affair. While India sealed the series by winning the first three matches, the Kiwis finished strongly by registering consecutive wins.
Now, the stage is set for a highly-anticipated five-match ODI series between the two behemoths of world cricket.
The preceding T20I leg of the tour saw India claim the series, though New Zealand fought back to win the final two matches and make it a competitive finish. As attention shifts to the 50-over format, three bowlers stand out as ones to watch across the five games.
Top 3 bowlers to watch out for in NZ vs IND ODI series
3. Gurnoor Brar
Gurnoor Brar is part of India’s squad for the ODI series and arrives with 14 wickets from nine ODIs at an economy rate of 7.17 and a strike rate of 34.71. The 26-year-old right-arm pacer has the ability to beat batters for pace, and his economy figures reflect that he has largely bowled in batting-friendly conditions so far. However, New Zealand pitches are expected to offer seam movement and bounce. There is a strong case that those conditions could bring out the best in Brar and make him a key weapon for India across the series.
2. Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner was the highest wicket-taker in the T20I leg of this tour, finishing with nine wickets across five games at an economy rate of 7.37. The 34-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder captains New Zealand in white-ball cricket and brings accuracy and the ability to choke runs through the middle overs. He varies his pace, targets the stumps and can generate drift in the windy Auckland conditions.
Santner’s last ODI appearance before this series came against West Indies on July 21, 2026. In that recent ODI series against the West Indies, he took six wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 3.39, demonstrating how effectively he can control proceedings in the format. His record against India in the T20I series just concluded makes him one of the most important bowling options Santner himself will call upon as captain.
1. Jacob Duffy
Jacob Duffyclaimed 4/23 in four overs during the fourth T20I of the India series, underlining his ability to take wickets at crucial moments. The right-arm seamer blends seam movement with sharp tactical variation and is confirmed available for all five ODIs in the series. Across 24 ODIs, Duffy has collected 40 wickets at an average of 25.30 and an economy rate of 5.86, figures that reflect consistent control alongside genuine penetration.
Duffy made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2022. Mitchell Santner, his own captain, is among the key figures he will be looking to support with the ball.