BCCI gives Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma extra time to stay ready for 2027 World Cup

India are most likely to extend the ODI leg of their series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be played later this year. This initiative from the BCCI could be taken to hand their veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli maximum game time before the ICC World Cup 2027. NZC would propose this change out of completely different demands.

Currently, India are focused on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after having made their way into the semi-finals. India will take on England for the second semi-final, which is scheduled to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The focus that has now been on the likes of Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav would soon be turned over to Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, when the Indian team returns to play ODIs after the conclusion of the IPL.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

BCCI to extend ODI leg of New Zealand tour

India will begin their 50-over campaign in June, and the senior duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will return to play for them. India are scheduled to play 15 ODI games already in the upcoming calendar year; however, it might be extended if the BCCI agrees to a new proposal made by New Zealand Cricket.

According to CricHub, India are likely to extend the ODI leg of their white-ball tour of New Zealand later this year. They have proposed to trim the T20I series in the process and then reflect on strategic priorities. This move would be made as a strategic priority to help Rohit and Virat get more games to prepare for the 50-over format ahead of 2027.

As per the original schedule, a total of five T20Is, two ODIs, and two Tests are marked to be played across October and November, in their first tour of New Zealand in 6 years. The report has suggested that the ODI series could be expanded by two additional matches, reducing the T20I leg to a three-match affair.

NZC is interested in more ODI matches in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's final tour of the country

Some sources of the publication have revealed that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) had initiated the proposal to the BCCI. India's motive to accept this proposal would be to align with their World Cup preparation.

However, New Zealand's interest seems to be on the commercial front. An extended ODI series featuring the two Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, which could also possibly be their final visit to the Island nation, can potentially generate significant broadcaster and stakeholder interest.

However, as of now, nothing has been made official by both the BCCI and the NZC; however, indications have suggested that the white-ball schedule is likely to be formalized soon.

BCCI's ODI schedule for India in 2026

The BCCI has yet to announce the annual calendar for the Indian Men's Cricket Team. India's ODI calendar for the second half of the year, starting from June, might mark several home and away series.

They will initiate their One-day campaign with the first series, destined to be played against Afghanistan in June and three more matches against England in July. As of now, these are the announced bilaterals, while several other matches remain.

They will have the same number of matches in the format against the West Indies as they return home, and will end the year with a three-match fixture against Sri Lanka.

ALSO READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed all set to be named Pakistan’s new head coach