When are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning? India stars set to be back before NZ series

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to international action in January 2026, with both expected to feature in the home ODI series against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Image | BCCI on X

India’s senior batting stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are set to make their return to domestic cricket before the three-match India vs New Zealand ODI series beginning on January 11, 2026. After featuring in India’s ODI assignments against South Africa in December 2025, both players are planning to stay match-ready by turning out in India’s premier domestic 50-over competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 starts on December 24, 2025, and will run until early January. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that all centrally contracted players should participate in at least two matches in the tournament to maintain ODI readiness ahead of international duty.

This decision comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that senior players like Kohli and Rohit are getting valuable competitive time before India’s packed white-ball calendar in 2026. Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the tournament and is expected to represent Delhi in multiple games, marking his return to domestic one-day cricket after many years.

Domestic one-day cricket to prepare Rohit, Kohli for NZ challenge

Reports indicate he will play at least three matches, beginning with Delhi’s opener on December 24 and continuing through to early January. With the India vs New Zealand ODI series approaching, domestic one-day cricket is set to play a crucial role in preparing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for international action. Both the players are in stellar form, smashing half-centuries and centuries in the ODI format.

Despite that, they are willing to play some more cricket in domestic matches, which is a good news for the fans as well as the young players who will be a part of the team. They will get to learn a lot of both the senior players. Apart from them, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and other players are also taking in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025.

Where to watch the India vs New Zealand match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI match on January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Former India bowler blames Test series loss against SA on Kohli-Rohit transition, makes eye-opening claim

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