Veteran India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back in action during the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara. Both of them looked in fine touch in recent assignments against Australia and South Africa.
While Rohit clinched the Player-of-the-Series award in Australia, Kohli bagged the honour in the home series against Proteas.
Ahead of the New Zealand series, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed confidence in the calibre of both batting stalwarts, citing that although it is not easy to return in full flow after a break, the duo is too experienced to face any problems for the same.
Notably, Kohli and Rohit turned up for their respective domestic teams in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage. Both of them slammed centuries before joining the Indian squad in Vadodara.
“Now there are absolutely no questions regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. I think they will score runs in Baroda. It isn’t easy to return after a break, but these two are so experienced," Irfan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“After this series, the next ODI will take place after 6 months," he added.
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 pair’s future, especially their participation in the 2027 World Cup.
The New Zealand ODI series will also mark the return of captain Shubman Gill. He missed the preceding series against South Africa due to neck injury.
“Shubman Gill isn’t only coming after an injury, but also coming after losing his place in the T20I side. He is more comfortable in the ODI format. Sure, his average has dropped down there as well over the last few matches, but he is a solid player," Irfan stated.
“Now that Gill has come in, Jaiswal has to sit out, right? Unfortunately for him, he has to miss out, but it is the captain who is returning. Gill’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup begins right now," he remarked.
