The recent three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand ended with India losing 2-1, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma participating in each ODI match. Kohli, who is currently the top ODI batsman in the world, had an outstanding start to the series, scoring 93 runs off 91 balls in the first ODI in Vadodara at the BCA Stadium. However, he managed just 23 runs off 29 balls in the second ODI played in Rajkot at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Kohli scored 124 runs off 108 balls in the third and final ODI, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, but India fell short in their chase of 338, marking the first-ever ODI series loss at home against New Zealand.

Overall, Kohli finished with a total of 240 runs after the three-match ODI series, proving that he remains an elite player and that he is still capable of providing consistency for India. Meanwhile, Sharma's poor form with the bat has proven that, despite being a senior player on the team, he was unable to contribute meaningfully with 26, 24, and 11 runs scored during the series. Kohli's success and Sharma's lack of success illustrate how dependent India continues to be on Kohli when the stakes are high. This defeat also highlights a number of weaknesses in the middle-order batting, along with the lack of partnerships in making significant run chases in ODI matches.

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For the next four months, Kohli and Rohit will be out of action on the international cricket scene. As they are no longer part of India's T20I squad, they will not participate in any matches during April or May while the Indian Premier League (IPL) takes place. During that time, both players will focus on their IPL commitments as members of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians respectively, trying to reclaim form and build momentum for the second half of 2026.

The next time both Kohli and Rohit will join the Indian cricket team after their IPL duties will likely be July 2026, as long as they are still active in ODIs. India will be touring England for five T20Is and three ODIs, and the ODIs will be played at Birmingham on 14 July, Cardiff on 16 July, and Lord's on 19 July. This tour gives both players an opportunity to showcase their skills and help Indian cricket regain some of its confidence on foreign soil, especially with regard to preparation for the ICC World Cup in 2026.

India-England ODI series schedule

Rohit Sharma’s last appearance alongside Virat Kohli with the Indian ODI squad was during an ODI series that occurred in July of 2022 when they assisted in winning 2 of the 3 ODIs contested. After a long gap between ODI series, they will play again on 8 July 2026 as part of another 3-match series against England. The series will take place at various venues in England beginning with the initial ODI match on the 14th of July evening at Edgbaston (Birmingham) at 5:30 PM IST, after which they will play the second ODI at Sophia Gardens (Cardiff) on 16th of July evening at 5:30 PM IST, and conclude with the third and final ODI match at Lord’s (London) on the 19th of July afternoon at 3:30 PM IST.