Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set for crucial New Zealand challenge as India announce 12-match tour

By Sandy Verma On Jun 4, 2026

Later this year, India gears up for the 2027 Cricket World Cup through a major tour of New Zealand. This visit brings a 12-game series – two Tests, followed by five ODIs and then five T20Is, scheduled from October to December. Such an extensive lineup has never before been seen on New Zealand soil. It marks the biggest international cricket event the country has ever staged.

One thing’s clear: how these matches unfold might just define India’s blueprint for the upcoming ODI World Cup. For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, each game becomes a stage where legacy meets urgency. Though age whispers in the background – Virat Kohli at 37, Rohit Sharma nearing 40, performance still speaks louder than numbers. This trip to New Zealand may very well carry the weight of endings. Every run scored, every catch taken, feels like a quiet farewell note.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set for crucial World Cup audition

The five-game ODI series means more than usual for India’s veteran batsmen. Though both still score heavily, form alone won’t lock in their spots for 2027. Kohli keeps finding boundaries, yet certainty remains out of reach. Rohit fires runs too, but future inclusion isn’t promised. Big names don’t shield them from questions. Performance now doesn’t equal safety later.

Also read: Team India begins Afghanistan Test preparations as Shubman Gill leads first training session

Nowhere is the shift clearer than in how today’s form beats yesterday’s glory. Because of this, strong showings during the tough trip to New Zealand might just lock in spots for good in India’s future one-day lineups.
Not long ago, fans cheered wildly when Kohli and Rohit played in Australia under lights, emotions running high as if it might be their last time there.

This year’s trip to New Zealand may carry that same quiet weight again.
A century of athletic connection between India and New Zealand quietly underpins this tour, lifting its weight beyond just matches. History hums beneath the surface, turning a regular contest into something heavier, older.

A monthlong journey kicks off October 22 in Christchurch with a T20I, then shifts northward – Wellington next, followed by stops in Auckland and Hamilton across five games. Though brief, each leg unfolds steadily under shifting skies.

After that, eyes shift to the one-day games, beginning November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland. Five matches fill the schedule, wrapping up November 15 in Mount Maunganui. Then comes a change – teams move toward longer play.

November 19 kicks off the opening Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, running through the 23rd. Following that, play shifts to Christchurch – Hagley Oval, which hosts the last of two Tests, starting November 27 and wrapping up December 1.

Glenn Critchley, who handles marketing and commercial stuff at New Zealand Cricket, called it among the largest events ever held right here. He sees big things happening on home soil.
“When it comes to cricket, it simply doesn’t get bigger than India, and we’re determined to deliver New Zealanders a tour like no other,” Critchley said.
“This will be about more than just the cricket on the field. It will be a celebration of New Zealand’s shared history and culture with India, and our growing rivalry and friendship through cricket.”

Besides the team’s strong lineup, attention will surely follow players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Wherever Indian athletes go, fans show up loud. Critchley pointed out how big that wave of energy can be.

Back in 2019-20 was the last time India played Tests in New Zealand.
Following that, India welcomed New Zealand on home soil twice, one being the striking 2024-25 leg where they claimed all three matches.

Fresh off the thrill of playing abroad, Ish Sodhi – a spinner from New Zealand, shared how eager he feels ahead of the next match. Born in Ludhiana, he relocated during childhood, shaping much of his journey since. “It’s always a special occasion playing India,” Sodhi said.
“They’re an incredible cricket team packed with talent and star power. Every time you play against them, you know it’s going to be a huge challenge.”

Bursting with energy, Sodhi spoke warmly about the vibe brought by fans from India. Pride swelled as he marked his roots during celebrations leading up to the tour.

India’s Tour of New Zealand Schedule

1st T20I – 22 October, Christchurch
2nd T20I – 24 October, Christchurch
3rd T20I – 27 October, Wellington
4th T20I – 30 October, Auckland
5th T20I – 1 November, Hamilton

1st ODI – 4 November, Auckland
2nd ODI – 7 November, Wellington
3rd ODI – 10 November, Hamilton
4th ODI – 13 November, Mount Maunganui
5th ODI – 15 November, Mount Maunganui

1st Test – 19-23 November, Wellington
2nd Test – 27 November-1 December, Christchurch