NZ v IND 2026: 'Very good to have these two, especially for youngsters'- Shastri on why Rohit and Kohli’s presence a boon for India

Kohli and Rohit will be back in action during five-ODI series against New Zealand , starting November 4.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri commended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their determination to do whatever is necessary to perform during the upcoming ODI series in New Zealand. India will play five ODIs and two tests on their New Zealand tour after the ongoing five-T20I series gets over.  

There has been extensive discussion about Kohli and Rohit's future and their prospects of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, Shastri feels the legendary duo will have a highly positive influence on the team's younger players.

“They'll definitely relish these conditions. They are the guys who like to be tested. That's what I want to see with some of these youngsters. Are they prepared to put their bodies on the line and be uncomfortable in the nets to try and taste success? These two will do it. They've done it over the years, and they'll continue to do it in the lead-up to the World Cup,” Shastri said on Sony Sports.

Shastri wondered whether the team's younger players were willing to endure discomfort in the nets like the two experienced veterans.

"So, it's very good to have them on the side, especially for the younger players. You've got to be prepared to look ugly in the nets. You are not going to get half-volleys in Australia or New Zealand. It's going to come at your coconut on a regular basis. So, you better prepare in the nets for that,” Shastri stated.

The five-match ODI series between New Zealand and India will begin on November 4 in Auckland, move on to Wellington on November 7, Hamilton on November 10, and Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15 for the fourth and fifth games.

Ravi Shastri feels that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need to make the extra effort to sustain their remarkable batting form. The pair have been in outstanding touch in ODIs, with Rohit recording two centuries and a half-century across his last four innings, while Kohli has made a century and two half-centuries in his last five.

"Look at the form they are in. In the last two ODI series, both have been terrific, as if they are rewinding the clock. Knowing both of them, they take a lot of pride in their performances. If they are playing at this level at this age, they will be putting in the yards. They will have that World Cup in mind, and they will give it their all till the World Cup," said Shastri.

Kohli and Rohit are India's second and third-leading ODI run-scorers with 15,109 and 12,120 runs, respectively.