New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell will enter the ODI series against India with renewed responsibility and confidence. After recovering from a long injury layoff in 2023–24, Bracewell returned to international cricket in 2025 and looked steadily improving in both white-ball and red-ball formats.
In 2023, he stunned the world with one of the greatest ODI knocks ever seen against India a breathtaking 140 off 78 balls in Hyderabad. His range-hitting, fearless stroke play, and ability to attack spin make him a major threat in subcontinental conditions.
Now leading a young Kiwi side, Bracewell experience in the middle order and his handy off-spin will be crucial as New Zealand take on India in the first ODI on January 11 in Vadodara.
Michael Bracewell vs India – ODI Batting Stats (Overall)
MatchesInningsNot OutsRunsHighest ScoreAverageStrike Rate50s100s65124314060.75140.4600
What stands out
- Massive strike rate of 140.46, showing his explosive style.
- Match-turning 140 off 78 balls remains one of the best knocks vs India.
- Highly consistent middle-order contributor, averaging over 60.
- Rare ability to dominate both pace and spin.
Also see: IND vs NZ ODI Head-to-Head Records and Stats
Michael Bracewell – ODI Innings vs India (Match-by-Match Record)
DateGroundBatting PositionRunsBallsSRHow Dismissed27 Nov 2022Seddon Park––––Did not bat18 Jan 2023Hyderabad714078179.49lbw b Shardul Thakur21 Jan 2023Raipur7223073.33c Ishan b Shami24 Jan 2023Indore72622118.18st Ishan b Kuldeep2 Mar 2025Dubai72366.67lbw b Varun Chakravarthy9 Mar 2025Dubai753*40132.50Not out
Michael Bracewell vs India – ODI Bowling Stats (Overall)
MatchesOversRunsWicketsBest BowlingAverageStrike RateEconomy635.020932/2869.6770.005.97
What stands out
- Not a strike bowler, but bowls smart middle-overs spells.
- Best figures 2/28 (Dubai) include dismissals of Kohli and Axar.
- Economy under 6.00, showing good control.
- Relies on drift + length rather than big turn.
Also see: India vs New Zealand ODI Squad 2026
Michael Bracewell – ODI Bowling vs India (Match-by-Match)
DateGroundOversFiguresKey WicketsEconomy27 Nov 2022Seddon Park2.00/18–9.0018 Jan 2023Hyderabad6.00/43–7.6321 Jan 2023Raipur2.00/13–7.4024 Jan 2023Indore6.01/51Rohit Sharma7.812 Mar 2025Dubai9.00/56–7.249 Mar 2025Dubai10.02/28Virat Kohli, Axar Patel5.97
Why Bracewell Is Dangerous Against India
Michael Bracewell’s skillset perfectly matches conditions India usually offer:
- Big-hitter who attacks spin fearlessly
- Can change the game rapidly between overs 20–40
- Useful off-spinner who controls run flow
- Captaincy adds confidence and game awareness
- Strong temperament in pressure situations
With New Zealand fielding a young squad, Bracewell’s all-round value becomes even more important. His rhythm with both bat and ball can shape the direction of the series.’
Michael Bracewell ODI record against India shows a dangerous, high-impact middle-order batter capable of winning matches single-handedly. His 140-run masterclass and a recent 53 in Dubai* prove that India must prepare well for him.
