India Tour of New Zealand 2026: ODI Series Expanded to 5 Matches Due to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

The India national cricket team will tour New Zealand in October–November 2026. They will play five ODIs, three T20Is, and two Test matches during the tour. As per reports, the series was initially supposed to have more T20Is than ODIs, but has been modified due to ‘commercial interest’ in the 50-over format. This means fans in NZ can see more of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in action, since they are currently active only in the 50-over format.

According to reports, the India national cricket team will play five ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests on their first full tour of New Zealand in six years. A report by Crichub says the ODI series has been increased from three matches to five, while the T20I series has been reduced to three games. 

ODI Series Increased as Rohit and Kohli Attract More Interest

The report states that New Zealand Cricket have proposed the changes to the BCCI, adding that the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI team is the primary reason behind having more 50-over format games. Kohli and Rohit were last seen in action in the series against New Zealand that preceded the T20 World Cup 2026. The duo have been in sublime touch despite being active only in one format of the game. Ro-Ko retired from T20is after winning the T20 WC in 2024 following which they shocked the world with their abrupt decision to retire from Tests as well in May 2025.

Proving critics like chief selector Ajit Agarkar wrong about their commitment to the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have shown great form and class since the series against Australia national cricket team. Their form has played a major part in reigniting the interest of the fans in the ODI format, which was otherwise deemed to be fading away. Kohli and Sharma will next be seen in action during IPL 2026 for their respective franchises, RCB and MI.