Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to ODI cricket when India tour New Zealand in November 2026. The first match of the five-match ODI series is scheduled at Eden Park, Auckland on November 4, 2026, and that fixture is widely anticipated to mark the next international appearance of both senior batters.
Having retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, ODIs are now the only format in which Rohit and Kohli represent India. Their most recent ODI appearances came during India’s home series against West Indies in late September and early October 2026, making the New Zealand tour their next confirmed assignment.
Rohit was in exceptional form throughout the West Indies series, accumulating 225 runs across three matches at a strike rate of 115.38. His most significant contribution in that series came in the second ODI, where he slammed a century, helping India chase down a 406-run target.
What is the schedule for India’s ODI series in New Zealand?
The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is set to get underway at Eden Park, Auckland on November 4, 2026. The second and third matches are scheduled in Wellington and Hamilton respectively, while the fourth and fifth ODIs are slated for Mount Maunganui.
Before the ODI leg of the tour, India are also scheduled to play five T20 Internationals in New Zealand in late October and early November 2026. Since Rohit and Kohli have retired from T20Is, they are not going to feature in that portion of the tour and will join the squad only for the ODI matches.
Ahead of the T20Is in New Zealand, India are hosting the West Indies in a five-match T20I series at home, starting Tuesday, October 6.
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How did Kohli perform in the West Indies ODI series?
Kohli started the series with a swashbuckling century. After facing 88 balls, Kohli remained unbeaten on 139, belting 10 fours and eight sixes. In the second ODI, he scored a quickfire 29 off 19 deliveries, helping India chase down a record target of 406. The in-form batter was dismissed for a golden duck in the last game, much to the chagrin of the Indian fans in Mullanpur.
