Ahead of the five-match series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4, two of India’s most seasoned ODI players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, had a sharp net practice on October 30 at Eden Park in Auckland. The video from the session was posted by India’s cricket board along with the remark, “They are back.” As the 2027 World Cup gets closer, Kohli and Rohit remain important mainstays of India’s ODI lineup.
Beyond the outcome, the bilateral contest is significant. Every ODI India match now directly contributes to their preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, therefore individual performance and squad selection are thoroughly monitored. After withdrawing from Tests and T20 Internationals, respectively, Rohit and Kohli are only playing at the international level in the 50-over format.
While Rohit has scored 12,120 runs in the format, including 35 hundreds, Kohli is the second-highest run scorer in ODI history with 15,109 runs, including 55 hundreds. Kohli scored 168 runs in three innings during the most recent ODI series against the West Indies. In the first game, he performed exceptionally well, smashing an undefeated 139 off 88 balls while pursuing a target of 296.
Rohit, meanwhile, has maintained a great performance throughout the year. He has amassed 604 runs in 12 ODI innings in 2026, averaging 50.33 and scoring at a strike rate of 104.67. His highest score was 138, and he has two hundreds and two half-centuries. His performance against the West Indies in the previous series was very impressive.
Over the course of three games, Rohit amassed 225 runs at a strike rate of 115 and an average of 75.00. He anchored the innings with a best of 101 not out, which included a century and a fifty. Although both numbers are marked for editor verification, his total ODI career total is 12,120 runs from 35 hundreds. The New Zealand series provides both senior batsmen with an opportune opportunity to hone their 50-over skills at the greatest level as the 2027 ODI World Cup draws near.
