Experienced batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to feature in a busy year for India in 2026, with the focus being on preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. As per the current schedule, India have several bilateral ODI series, which will give the team ample match time to fine-tune their combinations and strategies.
With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 coming up, 2026 will be a crucial year for senior players like Kohli and Sharma. If both remain part of Team India’s main ODI plans, they are expected to play most of the matches in 2026. His workload will depend on how the selectors manage his fitness throughout the year.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s 2026 schedule
India are set for a busy ODI year in 2026, with at least 18 matches scheduled in bilateral series. It is noteworthy that if the postponed tour of Bangladesh is organized again, this number may increase further.
India’s 2026 campaign will begin with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which will also include a five-match T20I series. This initial work will set the tone for the year as India prepares for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Shubman Gill is expected to return as ODI captain after recovering from a neck injury. In his absence, KL Rahul led the team and led India to a 2–1 ODI series win over South Africa.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will also return for the series against New Zealand. Both are ranked among the top ODI batsmen in the world and are performing strongly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
India’s ODI schedule 2026: All matches Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ready to play
If they continue to be a part of India’s ODI plans, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to play all 18 matches. The domestic schedule improves his chances of participation, especially in the key series against England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Overseas tours will also be important tests and valuable preparation for experienced batsmen. The 2026 calendar could form the backbone of Kohli and Rohit’s ODI build-up, with each series becoming an important step towards the World Cup.
| Oppose | home/outside | tests | ODI | t20i | month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| new zealand | Home | 0 | 3 | 5 | January |
| afghanistan | Home | 1 | 3 | 0 | june |
| England | away | 0 | 3 | 5 | july |
| west indies | Home | 0 | 3 | 5 | october |
| new zealand | away | 2 | 3 | 5 | november |
| Sri Lanka | Home | 0 | 3 | 3 | December |
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be seen in IPL 2026
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Sharma will represent Mumbai Indians (MI), while Kohli will once again play for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Kohli remains the leading run-scorer in IPL history with over 8,600 runs in the competition. He averages 39.54 and has scored eight centuries, the most by any batsman in the league. His consistency at the top of the order remains important for RCB.
Meanwhile, Rohit has scored more than 7,000 IPL runs. The five-time IPL-winning captain brings vast experience to Mumbai Indians. Even though both have stayed away from T20Is, they will be important for their respective IPL teams.
Also read: BCCI Central Contract 2026: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma demoted as Shubman Gill gets promotion
