Former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma leads Oreo’s new nationwide campaign, ‘Dream for the Team’, launched as India prepares for one of its most important cricket tournaments. In the campaign, Rohit appears not as a player or captain, but as a fan who believes in the power of dreaming together.

The campaign is based on a simple Indian belief — that positive thinking and collective hope can make a difference. Oreo invites cricket fans across the country to come together, support Team India, and share their dreams, one Oreo cookie at a time.

By positioning itself as a fan, Oreo encourages people to turn everyday moments into acts of support for the team. The brand asks fans to bring their optimism, belief, and togetherness into a shared movement focused on backing Team India.

Cricket is one of India’s strongest cultural bonds, and Oreo has often connected with the sport in fun and creative ways. From ‘Bring Back 2011’ in 2022 to ‘Oreo Bola Mat Bol’ in 2023, the brand has stayed close to cricket culture. This year, as Team India faces high expectations and tough competition, Oreo goes a step further by turning simple cheering into active fan participation.

Watch the video here:

Rohit Sharma in new ad with Oreo India.❤️ pic.twitter.com/T6fb4yMmlO

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) January 30, 2026

Oreo turns cricket belief into a fan movement

“Cricket has always been a strong cultural bond in India, and Oreo has always connected with this passion in fun and meaningful ways. With ‘Dream for the Team’, we wanted to go beyond cheering and give fans a way to share their hopes and positive thoughts for the team. By bringing together our product, technology, and stories, we are turning daily moments into a shared movement based on belief, optimism, and togetherness.”

The campaign is led by a film featuring Rohit Sharma as a true Indian cricket fan. In the film, Rohit is seen sharing his dreams for Team India and asking others to do the same. People around him first think he is talking about match plans, as if he is still the captain.

A young child then reminds him that he is no longer leading the team on the field. Rohit replies with a simple message:
“To help India win, you don’t need to be in the team. You just need to dream for the team.”

See also -Watch: Indian players visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple ahead of IND vs NZ 5th T20I

Rohit Sharma on the power of fan belief

Sharing his thoughts, Rohit Sharma said he has seen many proud moments in Indian cricket, both on and off the field. He said what he likes most about the campaign is that it reminds fans that their belief matters.

He added that fans do not always need to wear the team jersey to support the players. When millions of Indians come together and dream with positivity, that shared belief becomes very powerful.

At the centre of the campaign are 16 special Oreo cookie designs, inspired by famous cricket moments such as sixers, hat-tricks, yorkers, and centuries. Fans can scan the QR code on special packs to visit www.oreo.in/dreamfortheteam.

By scanning the cookies, fans can choose different dreams linked to each design and even support specific players. These dreams appear on a digital dream wall, which shows fans’ hopes along with Team India’s journey in the tournament. As dreams come true, fans can win match tickets, special experiences, merchandise, and digital rewards.

The campaign will run across India on nearly 250 million Oreo packs, which means more than one billion dream-themed cookies will reach the market. The campaign will be promoted across TV, digital platforms, outdoor media, social media, and e-commerce. Oreo will also be visible during cricket matches, with creators and quick-commerce apps.

In stores, Oreo will create special displays and experiences to catch the attention of cricket fans.

To show even stronger support, Oreo has introduced a limited-edition ‘Dream Blue’ pack with blue cream biscuits. By changing its cream colour from white to blue, Oreo shows that it is not just watching from the sidelines, but standing with Team India and its fans.

With ‘Dream for the Team’, Oreo brings together culture, product, and fan participation, turning India’s cricket dreams into one of the biggest fan movements of the season.

As Indian Premier League (IPL) teams move on from the auction to squad planning, focus has now shifted to the Registered Available Player Pool, also called RAPP. Many fans do not talk much about this list, but it is very important. It helps teams choose replacement players after the auction is over.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shared a list of 1,307 players with all IPL teams. These players took part in the auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi but were not sold. If a team needs a replacement during the season, they can only pick a player from this list.

The RAPP (Registered Available Player Pool) list includes many well-known international players. Former Australia captain Steve Smith, England players Reece Topley, Jamie Smith and Jonny Bairstow, and New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell are part of the list. Mitchell, who recently won the Player of the Series award in the ODI series between India and New Zealand, is listed at number 98 with a base price of Rs 2 crore.

Several Indian players with international experience are also included. Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Deepak Hooda, Navdeep Saini, Chetan Sakariya, Sandeep Warrier and Umesh Yadav are among the Indian players in the list. Each of them has a base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Also read -“Thought About It”- Star Indian batter KL Rahul gives massive statement on retirement amid IND vs NZ series

Rules for Using the RAPP

The BCCI has shared strict rules for using the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). Teams are not allowed to sign a replacement player for a price lower than the player’s reserve price set before the auction. Teams can also hire players from the RAPP as net bowlers during the season, but this does not give them any special rights to sign those players later.

Why Is the RAPP Important?

Kolkata Knight Riders are currently searching for a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman after the Bangladesh fast bowler was released from the squad. Since the auction is over, the three-time champions can only choose a new player from the RAPP list.

Recent Examples from the IPL

During IPL 2025, the Chennai Super Kings made several changes to their squad because of injuries to players. To fill those spots, they also had to use the RAPP list to select replacement players.

India and New Zealand continue their five-match T20I series with the third T20I on January 25. The match will be played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

India won the first two T20Is of the series. A win in the third match will help the hosts seal the five-game series. With the T20 World Cup coming closer, this T20I series is good preparation for both teams. While India will look to finish the series early, New Zealand will aim for their first win.

As the match day approaches, many fans are curious about the weather in Guwahati. In this article, we will share the weather forecast and check whether rain could affect the third T20I.

Also read -BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Guwahati Weather Update

There is good news for fans ahead of the third T20I. There is very little chance of rain in Guwahati on January 25. The city is expected to enjoy clear skies and bright sunshine throughout the day.

The temperature is likely to stay between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the evening. Humidity could have some impact on the match, as it is expected to remain between 35 and 44 per cent.

Squads for 3rd T20I

India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (available for first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi.

New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to make major changes to the BCCI’s contract structure by eliminating the A+ category which was implemented in 2018. Currently, players in the A+ category earn ₹7 crore, while players in A category earn ₹5 crore, B category  ₹3 crore and C category ₹1 crore. However, with the retention contracts for the 2025–26 season, it is likely that the BCCI will return to its previous 3-tiered system of A, B and C.

Four senior players were placed in the A+ category in the last contract cycle: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. The players in this elite A+ category are considered the most valuable all-format/ senior performers in India at this point in time. The revision to the BCCI’s grading of contracts is an indication that the BCCI intends to better align grades with actual workloads, participation in formats of play and availability within the International Cricket Council (ICC) calendar rather than solely legacy status or contributions made historically.

See Also: India series losses under Head Coach Gautam Gambhir: Full List & Analysis (Tests & ODIs)

Among the four previously highest-paid players, Jasprit Bumrah is now the only cricketer actively featuring in all three formats for India. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently active only in ODIs, having stepped away from T20 internationals. Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, continues to be part of India’s Test and ODI setup but has also retired from T20Is. These changes in format commitments are understood to be a key factor influencing the revised contract structure.

No paycut for Bumrah and other A contract holders

The central contracts are expected to be approved at the upcoming Apex Council meeting, with a BCCI official clarifying that players like Jasprit Bumrah will not face any salary reduction, given his role as India’s premier all-format fast bowler despite periodic workload-related absences. Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is also set to be placed in the A category. Meanwhile, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now active in only one format, they are likely to be moved to the B category, which could see a revised pay structure. Other all-format regulars include Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.

"This is being done to simplify the contract structure. There are not many players who are part of all formats. Someone like Bumrah, who remains one of the few all format players, will continue to be placed in the highest category and there would be no paycut," the official said.

Authorities told the BCCI that election duties on January 15 will stretch security arrangements. Because of this, matches scheduled on the polling day will be held without spectators. Organisers have not said whether the same restrictions will apply to matches on January 14 and January 16.

Ticketing platforms already show the uncertainty. Fans are unable to buy tickets for matches on January 14, 15, and 16. If this situation continues, three matches will be affected: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz on January 14, Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz on January 15, and Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 16.

The BCCI has not released any official statement yet. The league committee received details about the election schedule soon after it was announced on December 15. However, due to the lack of communication, fans are still unaware of the spectator ban.

Also read -3 reasons why Ayush Badoni replacing Washington Sundar for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs is the wrong move

Return to Normal Schedule

This situation is different from the lively atmosphere seen earlier in the tournament. The opening match drew an almost full crowd, and weekend double-headers recorded good attendance. This showed the growing interest among fans.

Normal activities are expected to resume after the restricted days. Tickets are already available for the January 17 double-header at DY Patil Stadium. The matches include Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The tournament will then move to Vadodara, where no restrictions have been announced.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently shared a special training video featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IND vs NZ series. The clip offers a glimpse into the duo’s preparation as India gets ready for the much-anticipated contest against New Zealand. The video has quickly caught the attention of fans, highlighting the focus and intensity of the two senior batters ahead of the series.

In that particular video, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen batting together during an intense training session ahead of the first match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The opening game of the series will be played on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara.

The veteran duo were also seen going through fitness and fielding drills before taking centre stage in the nets, highlighting their focus and preparation for the upcoming series.

Watch the video here:

𝗥𝗼𝗞𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 🔁

Virat Kohli 🤝 Rohit Sharma ready for the #INDvNZ ODIs 💪#TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/8xWIo7CtBm

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2026

Also read -3 historic records Virat Kohli can break in the upcoming IND vs NZ ODI series

Kohli and Rohit’s Domestic Preparations Ahead of IND vs NZ Series

In December 2025, as part of their preparation for the ODI series against New Zealand, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma represented their respective domestic teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. Kohli played two matches for Delhi, scoring 208 runs in two innings at an average of 104.00 and a strike rate of 128.39. He registered one half-century and one century, with his highest score of 131 coming against Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Andhra Pradesh.

Rohit Sharma also featured in two matches for Mumbai during the same tournament. In the opening game against Sikkim, the opener produced a brilliant knock of 155 runs off 94 balls, which included 18 fours and nine sixes. However, in the following match against Uttarakhand, he was dismissed for a golden duck.

See also -Watch: Shreyas Iyer narrowly escapes dog bite at airport ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Record Against New Zealand

Virat Kohli has an excellent record against New Zealand in ODI cricket. In 33 matches, the right-handed batter has scored 1,657 runs at an average of 55.23 and a strike rate of 95.50. His tally includes six centuries and nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 154 not out.

Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has played 31 ODIs against the Black Caps. He has scored 1,073 runs in 29 innings at an average of 38.32 and a strike rate of 85.84. His record includes two centuries and six half-centuries, with a top score of 147.

A video of a dog attempting to bite Shreyas Iyer at the airport has gone viral ahead of the first ODI between India and New Zealand. The match will be played on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara. The ODI series consists of three matches, after which the teams will shift focus to a five-match T20I series.

Shreyas Iyer was cleared to join Team India for the New Zealand ODIs on Friday, January 10. Although he was named in the squad earlier, his participation was subject to fitness clearance. The series marks his return to international cricket after a prolonged absence due to a spleen injury sustained during the Australia tour.

Ahead of the opening ODI, Shreyas was spotted at the airport wearing a white full-sleeve T-shirt and a black mask. He stopped to sign an autograph for a fan, after which another fan approached him with a dog. As Shreyas tried to playfully touch the dog, it attempted to bite him, leaving the cricketer visibly surprised. Iyer is set to return as India’s vice-captain after missing the home series against South Africa due to internal bleeding, from which he has now fully recovered.

Watch the video here:

Dog tried to snatch Shreyas Iyer at the airport - he got surprised 😅

Sarpanch saab just returned fit — PLEASE protect him at all costs🙏😎 pic.twitter.com/TxtBRw9OlC

— Jara (@JARA_Memer) January 9, 2026

Also read-Amit Mishra claims Virat Kohli escalated controversial situation with Naveen-ul-Haq

Shreyas Iyer finds form ahead of international return

Shreyas Iyer turned out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025–26 and even led the side in two matches ahead of his international comeback. He scored 127 runs across those two outings at an impressive average of 63.50, including one half-century, underlining his strong return to competitive cricket.

In his first match against Himachal Pradesh, Iyer smashed 82 runs off just 53 balls, striking 10 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 154.71. He followed it up with a fluent 45 off 34 balls against Punjab, hitting four boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 132.35.

See also -Watch: Jacqueline Fernandez steals the show at WPL 2026 opening ceremony

Key boost for India ahead of New Zealand series

Iyer’s ability to score runs comfortably and at a brisk pace is a positive sign for India ahead of the New Zealand ODI series. The first ODI will be played in Vadodara on January 11, followed by the second in Rajkot on January 14 and the third at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18. After the ODIs, the two teams will face off in a five-match T20I series, in which Iyer will not be involved.

In his last international appearance, the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide in October, Iyer scored a brilliant half-century (61) despite India ending up on the losing side.

Team India arrived at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium to begin training for the first ODI against New Zealand; however, he would not attend training because senior opener Rohit Sharma would not be in attendance. His absence immediately became a topic of conversation with fans and supporters closely following the preparation stage for what is expected to be a critical ODI series for Team India.

Rohit was last seen at the ‘United By Triumph’ event hosted by Reliance Foundation in Mumbai, where he celebrated India’s WCC captains. At this event, Rohit shared the limelight along with Harmanpreet Kaur, and Indian Blind Women’s Team Captain Deepika TC, a demonstration of a celebration of the many accomplishments through leadership and success in multiple formats and categories of all those who have accomplished much representing Indian Elite Cricketers on the World Stage now faces additional challenges in developing the next crop of elite performers while facing international exposure.

See Also: Watch: “Can’t replicate…”- Jemimah Rodrigues leaks Virat Kohli’s view on his MCG knock vs Pakistan in T20 WC 2022

Photos released by BCCI show many of the Indian players training hard in the nets, including captain Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. Along with Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant were not present for the session. Both players participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, playing for Saurashtra and Delhi respectively; this was probably the reason they were absent from the first practice.

Photos issued by BCCI

New year, fresh start 💪

📸 Glimpses from #TeamIndia's first training session in Vadodara ahead of the #INDvNZ ODIs 👌@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/itTwA5fKDF

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2026

Our captain is sitting here: Jay Shah

An endearing moment during the Mumbai event has also become a sensation, with Jay Shah being one of many that called Rohit Sharma "India's captain" on stage with Nita Ambani, even though the veteran has since given up that role. This was said as a comment regarding India's World Cup wins in men's cricket and brought a smile to Rohit's face. In terms of cricket, the upcoming ODI Series vs. New Zealand will be India's first international series of 2026, starting on 11 January at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi.

"Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies. During the 2023 World Cup, after winning ten successive matches, we could only win hearts but could not lift the trophy," Shah said while speaking at the United in Triumph event.

The situation between India and Bangladesh over the T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified, with the Indian government now closely tracking developments. Sources say the government is working in coordination with the BCCI and is reviewing the matter on a daily basis.

According to a Times of India report, the government is fully aware of the situation and is prepared to “act whenever required.” Bangladesh has asked for its matches to be moved out of India and shifted to Sri Lanka, but the ICC has not yet responded after initially rejecting the request.

With India set to host part of the multi-nation tournament, sources said the government will follow its standard sports policy of welcoming all participating teams. Any action from the Indian side will depend on the final position taken by Bangladesh.

Decision lies with Bangladesh, say sources

A BCCI source made it clear that the first move must come from Bangladesh. “Once their govt makes the stand clear or takes a final decision, only then will Indian authorities react,” the source said, as quoted by TOI. The source added that if Bangladesh decides to withdraw from the tournament or insists on relocation, it would be entirely their own call. Indian authorities will respond only after Dhaka officially communicates its final decision. 

See Also: Afghanistan announce squad for ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh’s concerns are linked to what it sees as growing anti-Muslim sentiment on Indian social media following the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also raised concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL by the BCCI.

Responding to safety concerns, a BCCI source said, “As for the Bangladesh cricket team, there will be full security measures in place. The government's stand has always been that of welcoming every nation coming here to participate. The ball is in their court whether they want to come or not. The decision is entirely theirs."

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has sent a second formal letter to the ICC, giving the global body 48 hours to respond to its request. With the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to start on February 7, the ICC’s decision could have major implications for both the BCCI and Bangladesh cricket.

The Indian cricket team had a highly successful year in 2025. They won the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup, levelled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 in England, and continued their dominance in white-ball cricket.

However, despite these achievements, a few major issues emerged during the year. These concerns raised questions among fans and experts.

As the focus shifts to a crucial 2026 season, there are several areas where Team India needs to improve. Here are the three biggest concerns for Team India in 2026:

Also read -10 Bangladeshi cricketers register for PSL 2026, ft. Mustafizur Rahman

1. Inconsistency in India’s Test Cricket Setup

India’s Test team had a mixed year and struggled to find consistency in red-ball cricket. The side suffered a disappointing loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was later whitewashed 2-0 by South Africa. Although India managed to level the Test series against England and win a series against the West Indies, their performances against top teams exposed several weaknesses.

With the previous World Test Championship cycle coming to an end and a younger squad being introduced, India showed early promise but failed to maintain momentum against strong opponents like South Africa. Looking ahead to 2026, India faces tough Test assignments against Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand. To stay competitive in the current WTC cycle, the team must improve their ability to play quality spin and develop the temperament to bat for long periods.

2. ODI Bowling Still a Work in Progress Before 2027 World Cup

On paper, India’s ODI bowling attack looks strong. It includes the experience of Jasprit Bumrah, along with options such as Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. However, recent performances have exposed inconsistency.

India conceded heavy runs in the ODI series in Australia and South Africa, raising concerns about their death-over bowling and adaptability in overseas conditions. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India must settle on a reliable bowling combination and fine-tune their plans to control runs and take wickets at crucial stages.

Also read -38-Year-Old former Ranji Trophy cricketer from Mizoram dies after collapsing on the field during a local match

3. Lack of Reliable Run-Scorers Beyond Rohit and Kohli in ODIs

Another major concern is India’s lack of depth in ODI batting. Most of the run-scoring responsibility has fallen on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been the standout performers over the past year. KL Rahul has made useful contributions in the middle order, but consistent support from the rest of the batting line-up has been missing.

Frequent experimentation with players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal has not brought stability. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer need to take more responsibility in anchoring the innings. For India to mount a strong challenge at future marquee tournaments, a settled and dependable batting core beyond Rohit and Kohli is essential.