IND vs NZ ODI Schedule: When Will Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Return?

When Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play Next ODI? India’s ODI Road Ahead

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have concluded their international commitments for 2025 on a high, leaving fans eager for their next appearances. Following India’s thrilling 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa, the key question arises: when will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play next ODI? The answer points to January 2026, when India begins a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, marking the start of a critical year on the road to the 2027 World Cup.

Kohli was in imperious touch against South Africa, scoring 302 runs across three matches, including consecutive centuries and a composed half-century. Rohit Sharma complemented him perfectly, amassing 146 runs with a crucial 75 in the decider. Their combined performance reaffirmed their unmatched importance to India’s ODI strategy.

MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma: Key Players Shaping India’s ODI Plans

While T20 cricket draws attention, both Kohli and Rohit will be rested from the shortest format for the time being, conserving energy for ODIs. Their next international outing will be the India vs New Zealand ODI series starting January 11, 2026, featuring three matches:

• 1st ODI: January 11, 2026 – Vadodara
• 2nd ODI: January 14, 2026 – Rajkot
• 3rd ODI: January 18, 2026 – Indore

This series is expected to provide a clear picture of how India’s senior players continue to influence team strategy and performance.

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Domestic Warm-Up

Before facing New Zealand, Kohli and Rohit are likely to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, beginning December 24, 2025. Kohli is expected to represent Delhi, while Rohit will play for Mumbai. Their participation in this premier domestic tournament is crucial for match fitness, form, and readiness for the international challenge.

India’s ODI Road to the 2027 World Cup

The New Zealand series kicks off a packed 2026 ODI calendar for India. The team will play 18 ODIs, including home series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, away tours to England, Bangladesh, the West Indies, and a return series in New Zealand. Each match offers an opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to lead the team, fine-tune strategies, and prepare for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

For fans, the anticipation is clear: Kohli and Rohit remain central to India’s white-ball plans, and their performances will be closely watched as India gears up for global glory.

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FAQs

Q1: When will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play their next ODI?

• A: Both players are scheduled to return in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026.

Q2: Will Kohli and Rohit play domestic cricket before ODIs?

• A: Yes, they are expected to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24, 2025, for Delhi and Mumbai respectively.

Q3: How many ODIs will India play in 2026?

• A: India will play 18 ODIs in 2026, including home and away series as part of preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

Q4: Why are Kohli and Rohit not playing T20Is currently?

• A: Both are resting from T20s to conserve energy and focus on ODIs and long-term preparations for the 2027 World Cup