India are most likely to extend the ODI leg of their series against New Zealand, slated to be held later this year. This could give batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli maximum game time before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

Currently, India are focused on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after having made their way into the semifinals. The Men in Blue will face England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.

The attention will soon shift towards Rohit and Kohli, who will return to play ODIs after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season.

India will begin their 50-over World Cup preparations in June. They are scheduled to play 15 ODIs in the upcoming calendar year, and it might be extended if the BCCI agrees to a new proposal made by New Zealand Cricket.

According to CricHub, India are likely to play a couple more ODIs on the tour of New Zealand across October and November, trimming the T20I series in the process. The move would reflect the strategic priority being placed on the 50-over format ahead of 2027 World Cup.

Under the current Future Tours Programme (FTP), India’s 2026 tour of New Zealand includes two Tests, five T20Is, and three ODIs. The report has suggested that the ODI series could be expanded by two additional matches, reducing the T20I leg to a three-match rubber.

Sources told the publication that New Zealand Cricket had initiated the proposal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

While India's motive to accept this proposal aligns with World Cup preparation, New Zealand’s interest seems to be commercially driven. An extended ODI series featuring Rohit and Kohli, potentially on their final tour of the country, can potentially generate significant broadcaster and stakeholder interest.

Nothing has been made official by both the BCCI and the NZC yet, but indications have suggested that the revised white-ball schedule is likely to be formalized soon.