Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Set to Play Together in New Zealand After Six Years

Historic ODI Match in New Zealand

AUCKLAND - Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are preparing to play an ODI match together in New Zealand for the first time since February 2020. The duo last shared the field during a T20 match in Hamilton on February 29, 2020. With both players having retired from Test and T20 formats, they are now fully focused on One Day Internationals. This tour is considered crucial for their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and their positions in the team.

The conditions in New Zealand, known for their swing and bounce, have yielded different results for both batsmen. Kohli has scored 596 runs in 13 ODI innings there, boasting an impressive average of 49.66, including one century and four half-centuries. His only ODI century in New Zealand came in 2014 at Napier. In contrast, Rohit has accumulated 437 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 36.41, with four half-centuries to his name, but he is still in search of his first ODI century in New Zealand, where his highest score is 87.

In the history of ODIs for India, Kohli and Rohit rank second and third in terms of total runs scored, following Sachin Tendulkar. The upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, and both senior players aim to represent the Indian team in this significant tournament. However, New Zealand has historically been a challenging venue for India, with the team winning only 14 out of 45 ODIs played there, while suffering 26 losses. This tour will be a significant test for both players and the entire Indian squad.