India’s ODI calendar is set to resume in January 2026, and the country’s two biggest cricket icons — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — are preparing to return to 50-over action after completing their 2025 international commitments.
Their comeback aligns with India’s first ODI series of the new year, marking the beginning of a crucial preparation cycle leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India’s Next ODI Series: Full Overview
India’s next ODI assignment is a three-match home series against New Zealand starting 11 January 2026.
The matches will be held in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, and both Rohit and Kohli are expected to feature in all three encounters.
IND vs NZ ODI 2026 Schedule
| Match | Date | Time | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 11 January 2026 | 11:00 AM IST | BCA Stadium, Kotambi | Vadodara |
| 2nd ODI | 14 January 2026 | 1:30 PM IST | Niranjan Shah Stadium | Rajkot |
| 3rd ODI | 18 January 2026 | 11:00 AM IST | Holkar Cricket Stadium | Indore |
This series marks the official return of Rohit and Kohli to international ODIs in 2026.
Read Also: T20 World Cup Team India Player List 2026
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Return to ODI Action
Strong Form Heading Into 2026: Both batters wrapped up their 2025 season on a high during India’s home ODI series against South Africa.
Virat Kohli’s Recent ODI Form
- Scored back-to-back centuries: 135 and 102
- Looked fluent throughout the series
- Finished the year with dominant white-ball numbers
Rohit Sharma’s Recent ODI Form
- Scored 57, 14, and 75 in the South Africa series
- Played with renewed control and focus
- Continues to shape India’s top-order stability
The two senior players displayed elite consistency, reinforcing why they remain central to India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans.
Domestic Cricket Updates: Kohli and Rohit in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Ahead of the New Zealand ODIs, both batters joined their state teams for the Vijay Hazare Trophy as part of BCCI’s requirement that national players participate in domestic tournaments.
Virat Kohli
- Played two matches for Delhi
- Scores: 131 and 77
- Expected to play one more match (vs Railways on 6 January)
Rohit Sharma
- Played two matches for Mumbai
- Scores: 155 (not out)* and 0
- Will not play further matches in the tournament
- Set to join India’s preparatory camp before the New Zealand ODIs
Their involvement in domestic cricket ensures match readiness and aligns with their long-term goal of competing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Read Also: Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy Record
India’s Expected ODI Squad for the New Zealand Series
Team India is expected to bring back an experienced core for the ODI series, including Rohit and Kohli, while resting key all-rounders and pacers.
Player Updates
- Hardik Pandya → Likely rested
- Jasprit Bumrah → Likely rested
- Shubman Gill → Will return as full-time ODI captain
- KL Rahul → First-choice wicketkeeper
- Mohammed Siraj → Expected to rejoin ODI setup
Probable India ODI Squad for IND vs NZ 2026
| Batsmen | All-rounders | Wicketkeepers | Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Ravindra Jadeja | KL Rahul | Mohammed Siraj |
| Virat Kohli | Washington Sundar | Ishan Kishan | Arshdeep Singh |
| Shubman Gill (C) | Tilak Varma | Sanju Samson | Harshit Rana |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | — | — | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | — | — | — |
The final squad announcement is awaited, but the return of Rohit and Kohli is already confirmed.
India’s ODI Roadmap for 2026
India’s ODI schedule next year is packed with 18 matches — a crucial runway leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India’s ODI Schedule in 2026
| Month | Opponent | Venue | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | New Zealand | Home | 3 |
| Jun 2026 | Afghanistan | Home | 3 |
| Jul 2026 | England | Away | 3 |
| Sep–Oct 2026 | West Indies | Home | 3 |
| Oct–Nov 2026 | New Zealand | Away | 3 |
| Dec 2026 | Sri Lanka | Home | 3 |
This intense schedule will test bench depth while giving senior players a structured build-up toward 2027.
Read Also: IND vs NZ ODI 2026 Tickets Booking
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Play the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Both players have shown clear intent to continue in ODIs. Their recent performances, fitness management, and participation in domestic cricket all point to a strong desire to play until 2027.
Key Indicators
- Consistent ODI runs
- Continued participation in domestic tournaments
- Leadership roles and mentoring young players
- Strong performances even in pressure games
Unless injuries or unforeseen issues arise, both are expected to remain part of India’s ODI core for at least the next two years.
Conclusion
India’s ODI journey resumes on 11 January 2026, marking the long-awaited return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to 50-over cricket. With fresh form, domestic match practice, and a packed schedule ahead, this series against New Zealand sets the tone for India’s path toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.
