India are most likely to go ahead with the ODI leg of their series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be played later this year. This initiative can be taken by BCCI to give maximum playing time to its stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before the ICC World Cup 2027. NZC will propose this change with completely different demands.
After making it to the semi-finals, India’s focus is currently on the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. India will face England in the second semi-final, which will be held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The focus now on players like Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav will soon shift to Indian legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli when the Indian team returns to play ODIs after the conclusion of the IPL.
BCCI will extend the ODI leg of New Zealand tour
India will begin their 50-over campaign in June and the senior pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back to play for them. India already have 15 ODI matches to play in the upcoming calendar year; However, this could be extended if the BCCI agrees to the new proposal made by New Zealand Cricket.
According to Crichub, India may extend the ODI leg of their white-ball tour of New Zealand later this year. He has proposed to shorten the T20I series and then consider strategic priorities in the process. This move will be taken as a strategic priority so that Rohit and Virat can get more games to prepare for the 50-over format before 2027.
As per the original schedule, New Zealand, in its first tour in 6 years, is scheduled to play a total of five T20Is, two ODIs and two Tests in October and November. Reports have suggested that the ODI series could be extended by two additional matches, thereby reducing the T20I leg to three matches.
NZC interested in more ODIs in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s final tour of the country
Some sources in the publication have revealed that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) had taken the initiative to make the proposal to the BCCI. India’s motive for accepting this offer would be to coordinate with its World Cup preparations.
However, New Zealand’s interest is visible on the commercial front. An extended ODI series featuring two Indian greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in what could potentially also be their final visit to the island nation, could potentially generate significant broadcaster and stakeholder interest.
However, as of now, nothing official has been made by both the BCCI and NZC; However, indications have shown that the white-ball schedule is likely to be formalized soon.
BCCI’s ODI schedule for India in 2026
BCCI has not yet announced the annual calendar for the Indian men’s cricket team. India’s ODI calendar for the second half of the year starting in June is likely to include a number of domestic and overseas series.
They will begin their ODI campaign with the first series, which will be played against Afghanistan in June and three more matches against England in July. At present, these are the announced bilateral matches, while many more matches are pending.
Upon returning home they have the same number of matches against the West Indies across the format, and end the year with a three-match series against Sri Lanka.
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