New Zealand’s much-anticipated white-ball tour of India is all set to get underway with the first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday (January 11).

Ahead of the three-ODI series, Kiwi skipper Michael Bracewell dismissed talks of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being on the wane, stressing that both batting stalwarts remain forces to be reckoned with in the 50-over format.

Bracewell said it would be “silly to underestimate” the veteran campaigners and expressed confidence that the duo will be key figures at next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket within a gap of five days in May last year. Having retired from T20Is in 2024, they are now focusing solely on the ODI format.

However, with fewer ODIs being scheduled these days, questions remain over the ageing duo's future, especially their participation in the 2027 World Cup.

“I'd like to see them play in the World Cup. They're obviously still playing very good cricket so there's no reason to stop,” Bracewell said while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the New Zealand Cricket Golf Day at the Willingdon Sports Club.

“They're both playing beautifully, so why not? Their records speak for themselves, both individually and as a team. They've been involved in some great Indian sides and led that side with the bat. You'd be silly to underestimate them, that's for sure,” Bracewell added.

With Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra unavailable, Bracewell will lead the Black Caps on the tour of India.

“Whenever you're missing players of say, Mitch Santner's calibre, you're always going to be struggling to replace them. You're never going to be able to replace a guy like that. But if everyone mucks in and does their bit, then hopefully we can all work together and achieve great things on this tour.”

Despite the T20 World Cup around the corner, Michael Bracewell highlighted the relevance of the ODI series.

“You have to be where your feet are and take care of what's in front of you. We've obviously got an important one-day series coming up against India,” Bracewell stated.

Following the ODI series, India and New Zealand will lock horns in five T20Is from January 21-to 31. The series will serve as final dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, slated to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.