India’s shift back to 50-over cricket after an extended T20 phase could soon come with additional matches for two of the format’s biggest names.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may receive extra ODI game time later this year as part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, according to a report by Crichub.
BCCI weighs schedule change for New Zealand tour
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering a modification to the white-ball leg of India’s tour of New Zealand later this year.
Under the currently planned itinerary, India are scheduled to play five T20Is, two ODIs and two Tests during the October–November tour. However, the report indicates that the ODI component could be expanded.
The proposal being evaluated involves adding two more ODI matches while reducing the T20I series from five games to three.
If approved, the change would give India’s senior ODI core additional competitive exposure in the format ahead of the global tournament.
Strategic focus shifts toward 50-over format
India’s cricket calendar is expected to transition toward ODI preparation once the ongoing T20 cycle concludes.
After a period dominated by T20 cricket — including the IPL season beginning in late March — the national team’s attention is set to move toward the longer white-ball format.
India are already scheduled to play 15 ODIs during the year, but increasing the number of matches against New Zealand would further strengthen the team’s preparation pipeline.
The move reflects a broader strategic priority within the BCCI to ensure key players gain sustained match practice in 50-over cricket ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
New Zealand’s proposal driven by commercial appeal
The idea to expand the ODI portion of the series reportedly originated from New Zealand Cricket.
From New Zealand’s perspective, additional ODIs featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to generate strong commercial interest among broadcasters and stakeholders.
The tour could also represent the final time the two Indian stars play in New Zealand, adding further commercial and fan appeal to the series.
India’s ODI calendar begins in June
India’s ODI preparations will begin soon after the conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
Afghanistan are scheduled to tour India in June for a one-off Test followed by a three-match ODI series. The Test will be held at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh from June 6 to June 10.
The ODI leg of that series will start on June 14 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, before moving to Lucknow for the second match on June 17 and concluding in Chennai on June 20.
Following the Afghanistan series, India will play three ODIs against England in July before hosting West Indies for another three-match series in the subcontinent.
The team’s ODI schedule for the year will conclude with a three-match series against Sri Lanka.
Senior duo central to India’s 50-over plans
The renewed focus on ODI cricket also coincides with the evolving roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s international setup.
Both players stepped away from T20 internationals after India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup and later retired from Test cricket in 2025 ahead of the England tour.
As a result, the pair now primarily feature in the 50-over format, placing them at the centre of India’s planning for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
Although neither the BCCI nor New Zealand Cricket has formally confirmed the proposed schedule change, indications suggest discussions are progressing and a revised itinerary could be finalised in the near future.
