The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has included Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's squads for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, confirming the presence of both senior batters for the overseas assignment.
The BCCI announced the squads on October 16, with Shubman Gill appointed captain for the first three ODIs and Shreyas Iyer set to lead the side in the final two matches. The series will form part of India's preparations for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
India's ODI tour begins in Auckland on November 4, followed by matches in Wellington and Hamilton. The final two ODIs will take place in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
Kohli and Rohit Retain Their Places
Kohli and Rohit are included in both squad groups announced for the five-match series. Their selection provides India with experience in the top order as the team continues building towards the next 50-over World Cup.
The announcement also confirms a split in captaincy. Gill will lead India in the opening three matches, while Iyer will take over for the last two ODIs. Iyer has been named vice-captain for the first part of the series.
The selection gives the team management an opportunity to manage the squad across a busy international schedule while providing leadership responsibility to multiple players.
Changes Across the Two ODI Squads
The squad for the first three matches includes KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, alongside players such as Axar Patel, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. Prasidh Krishna's selection is subject to fitness clearance.
For the final two matches, Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra are among the players named, while Auqib Nabi joins the squad. Ishan Kishan is listed as vice-captain and wicketkeeper for the second group.
The BCCI has also announced India's squad for the two-Test series that follows the ODIs. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19, with the second match in Christchurch from November 27.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule
1st ODI: November 4 — Auckland
2nd ODI: November 7 — Wellington
3rd ODI: November 10 — Hamilton
4th ODI: November 13 — Mount Maunganui
5th ODI: November 15 — Mount Maunganui
All five ODIs are scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM IST.
With Kohli and Rohit included, attention will turn to India's performances in New Zealand as the team continues its preparations for the 2027 World Cup. The series will also provide an opportunity for Gill and Iyer to lead the side in different phases of the tour.
