The Indian team is getting ready for their first match in 2026, as the Men in Blue are hosting New Zealand for the three-match ODI series, starting on Sunday (January 11). Before the beginning of the ODI series, Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill spoke about the importance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the team. 

Former Indian captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now only play the ODI format, as both have retired from the other two international formats. Both Rohit and Kohli are in great form with the bat, as they are scoring comfortably. 

See Also: "I want to..."- Shubman Gill opens up his feelings after T20 World Cup snub

It makes your life easier: Shubman Gill about the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

The present Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill feels that both Rohit and Kohli make handling the team easier. 

Before the home ODI series against New Zealand, Gill said, “The two names that you have taken — one is one of the greatest openers of all time, Rohit Sharma, and Virat bhai is one of the greatest ODI batters ever. So definitely, when you have these two in your team, it makes your life easier."

Gill emphasised Rohit and Kohli's experiences, which he can utilise during a tough phase of any game.

Gill added, "Whenever you are in a tough situation, they have been in those kinds of situations and conditions many times in their life, so you can always go to them and see how they are thinking and what they would do, and that piece of information is very valuable for any captain."

Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli be present in the next ODI World Cup?

While India are ready to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will run between February 7 and March 8, 2026, it is also the time to start preparation for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host in October-November 2027.

Indian cricket fans are hoping to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the next ODI World Cup to end their long wait for the ICC ODI World Cup.