India’s two batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have resumed preparations ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, giving fans an early glimpse of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The experienced duo were spotted batting in the nets in a training video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on social media.

The video, accompanied by the simple caption “They’re back,” quickly caught the attention of cricket fans. With the India vs New Zealand ODI series scheduled to begin on November 4, both senior batters will be keen to carry their recent form into the upcoming assignment.

The five-match series is expected to provide India with another important opportunity to assess its batting combinations and strengthen its preparations for the next ODI World Cup. For Rohit and Kohli, the focus will be on maintaining consistency and making valuable contributions as India continues to build towards the global tournament.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s recent ODI numbers

Both players enter the series with impressive records in the 50-over format, and their experience will be important for India.

Virat Kohli remains one of the most successful ODI batters in cricket history. He has accumulated 15,109 runs, including 55 centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the format. His ability to control an innings, rotate the strike and accelerate when required continues to make him a central figure in India’s batting plans.

Kohli was particularly impressive during the recent ODI series against the West Indies. He scored 168 runs across three innings, with his most memorable performance coming in the opening match. Chasing a target of 296, the former India captain produced a sensational unbeaten 139 off just 88 deliveries.

That innings once again demonstrated why Kohli remains such a valuable player in run chases. His experience of handling pressure situations could prove extremely useful against New Zealand, particularly in challenging conditions away from home.

Rohit Sharma has also given India plenty of reasons to be confident about his ODI future. The former India captain has scored 12,120 runs in the format, including 35 centuries, and remains one of the most destructive opening batters in international cricket.

His performances in 2026 have been particularly encouraging. Rohit has collected 604 runs in 12 ODI innings at an average of 50.33 and an impressive strike rate of 104.67. His tally includes two centuries and two half-centuries, with a highest score of 138.

Against the West Indies, Rohit scored 225 runs in three innings at an average of 75.00 and a strike rate above 115. His performances included a century and a half-century, with his highest score being 101.

For India, having both experienced batters in good form provides an important advantage as the team prepares for a demanding international calendar.

India vs New Zealand ODI series: schedule and team preparations

The five-match India vs New Zealand ODI series will begin on November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland. The remaining matches will take place in Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui, with the final ODI scheduled for November 15.

The complete schedule is as follows:

All five matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM IST.

India will have Shubman Gill as captain for the first three ODIs, while Shreyas Iyer is scheduled to lead the side in the final two matches. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in both squads.

There has also been an important squad update ahead of the opening match. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the ODI series because he has not received fitness clearance while recovering from a hamstring injury. Nitish Kumar Reddy will remain with the squad for the first ODI before joining India A for match practice.

Why the New Zealand series matters for Rohit and Kohli

The upcoming tour is about more than just adding runs to individual records. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India need their senior players to remain consistent while helping the next generation develop within the team.

New Zealand presents a different challenge compared to playing at home. Conditions in the country can offer assistance to fast bowlers, particularly with the new ball. Swing, seam movement and additional bounce can test even experienced batters.

For Rohit, the opening overs will be important. His aggressive approach at the top of the order can give India a strong platform, but adapting to New Zealand’s conditions will be equally crucial.

Kohli, meanwhile, could play a different role depending on the match situation. His ability to build partnerships and control the middle overs makes him an important part of India’s ODI batting structure. His experience against quality pace attacks will also be valuable during the tour.

Another interesting aspect will be how the management balances experience with opportunities for younger players. With players such as Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad part of India’s plans, the series could help establish combinations for future assignments.

For Rohit and Kohli, however, the immediate priority will be delivering strong performances and maintaining their rhythm in international cricket.

The sight of the two veterans returning to the nets has already generated excitement among supporters. Indian fans will now be hoping that their preparation translates into another productive ODI campaign.

The 2027 World Cup remains a major target, and every international series offers an opportunity to move closer to that goal. Whether it is Rohit’s attacking starts or Kohli’s dependable middle-order batting, India will expect their senior stars to make a difference.

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