With the excitement of the five-match T20 series out of the way, India and New Zealand begin the most crucial leg of the all-format tour. The five-match ODI series, which begins on Wednesday, is where both sides have channelled most of their energies. We are getting closer to the 2027 ODI World Cup, after all, and conditions in Auckland should be similar to what will be on offer in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia next year, which makes this series an ideal test for the teams.