Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Aim for Centuries in Rajkot ODI Against New Zealand

Anticipation Builds for Rajkot ODI

In the upcoming second ODI against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to take center stage at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Notably, no Indian player has yet scored an ODI century at this venue, despite both batsmen having previously achieved fifties here. With the pitch favoring batters, they will be eager to break this century drought.

Previous Match Highlights

In the series opener at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, India clinched a four-wicket victory, leading the series 1-0. Rohit contributed a quick 26 runs off 29 balls, while Kohli shone with a stellar 93 runs off 91 balls during the team's successful chase of 301 runs.

Domestic Cricket Return

Both players returned to competitive cricket after participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) recommendation for contracted players to engage in domestic matches when available.

Rajkot's ODI History

Historically, Rajkot has hosted two venues for Indian cricket: Madhavrao Scindia Stadium and Niranjan Shah Stadium. While several Indian players, including Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, have scored centuries at the former, the latter has yet to see an Indian player reach three figures, with Kohli's three fifties being the highest scores recorded.

Kohli's Performance in Rajkot

Kohli has been in remarkable ODI form since October 2025, with two centuries and three fifties. However, he has yet to score an ODI century in Rajkot, despite having played five matches there since his debut in December 2009 against Sri Lanka.

Rohit's Quest for a Century

Rohit Sharma, who has scored ODI centuries at 26 different venues, is also seeking his first century at Niranjan Shah Stadium. He has accumulated 188 runs in three ODIs at this venue, averaging 62.66, but has missed out on converting his fifties into centuries.

Pitch Conditions Favor Batters

The pitch at Niranjan Shah Stadium is expected to be conducive for batting, featuring even bounce and short boundaries, which could lead to high-scoring matches. Both Kohli and Rohit are known for their ability to capitalize on favorable conditions, making this match a prime opportunity for them to achieve their first ODI centuries at this ground.

Shared Success in Tests

Interestingly, both players have previously scored Test centuries at this venue, adding an extra layer of excitement as they aim to replicate that success in the ODI format.