New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have formally approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). They want to increase the number of One-Day Internationals on India's upcoming tour in late 2026. The original Future Tours Programme included two Tests, five T20Is, and three ODIs. However, NZC now want five ODI matches. They believe a longer series will create much better commercial and broadcasting opportunities.

New Zealand Cricket Pushes for More ODIs as India Tour Takes Shape Around Kohli and Rohit

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the main reasons for this proposal. Both icons have retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket. They now place a heavy focus on the ODI format. So, every 50-over series featuring them becomes a rare and valuable event. Broadcasters and ticket agencies see the massive demand these players create. New Zealand Cricket want to tap into that popularity before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

As CricHub reported on 3rd March, the BCCI are currently reviewing the proposal. Both boards expect to confirm the final schedule soon. If approved, this will be India's first full visit to New Zealand since January 2020. During that trip, the sides had a dramatic split. India swept the T20Is 5-0 under Kohli and Rohit. However, they lost the Test series 0-2 and the ODIs 0-3 to Kane Williamson’s team.

The two Test matches also matter for reasons beyond this tour. They are a key part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Before this tour, Kohli and Rohit will play the home series against Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies. India will currently ramp up their prep for the 2027 ODI World Cup after the end of the T20 World Cup 2026. Their last game was a home series against New Zealand in January 2026. Fans are getting more excited as each announcement drops. Many remember the heartbreak India suffered in New Zealand back in 2020.