Team India will begin its 2026 season with an ODI series against New Zealand. The return of Rohit and Kohli has sparked huge interest among fans and the tickets were sold out in a matter of minutes.
Senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya were left out of the ODI series to manage the workload. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the field and are currently focusing solely on the ODI format. His return has sparked great excitement among fans, with tickets for the first ODI selling out quickly.India recently hosted South Africa for a T20 series in December, but despite the popularity of the shorter format, the stadiums were not filled. On the contrary, the ODI series against New Zealand has attracted overwhelming interest, driven largely by the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Notably, the tickets for the inaugural ODI were sold out within minutes.The first ODI in Vadodara on January 11 witnessed extraordinary demand. Online ticket sales opened and were completely sold out in just eight minutes. Fans on social media attributed the frenzy to the enduring star power of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are believed to be targeting the ODI World Cup 2027. For Rohit, the tournament has a special significance as he is yet to win an ODI World Cup. He was not part of India’s victorious team in 2011, while Kohli was involved in that triumph. Kohli’s cabinet includes one ODI World Cup, one T20 World Cup and two Champions Trophy titles.Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has won two T20 World Cups and two Champions Trophy titles, but is still chasing an ODI World Cup crown. Reports suggest he is keen to reach that milestone in 2027 before considering retirement, placing particular emphasis on his fitness. Fans are also eager to see Rohit and Kohli take part in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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Team India will begin its 2026 cricket schedule on January 11 and return to action after last playing on December 19, 2025. The new year begins with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara. The opening match is scheduled to be played at the Vadodara venue on January 11.
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