Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Begin Training in Mumbai Ahead of India’s New Zealand ODI Series

India’s senior batting stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have started preparing in Mumbai for the upcoming five-match One Day International series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4, 2026.

Rohit was spotted training at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), while Kohli practised at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium. Images and videos from their sessions circulated on social media as the experienced batters began preparations for India’s next assignment in the 50-over format.

With the ODI series approaching, both players will be looking to maintain their rhythm and carry their recent form into the contest against the Black Caps.

Rohit Sharma Returns to Training at MCA Ground

Rohit has resumed his preparations in Mumbai ahead of the New Zealand series. The experienced opener was seen at the MCA ground in BKC, where he worked on his fitness and batting preparation.

The former India captain also met members of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team during his visit. His interaction with domestic players came as Mumbai prepared for their Ranji Trophy fixture against Haryana.

Rohit remains an important part of India’s ODI plans because of his experience at the top of the order and ability to provide explosive starts. His preparation will be closely followed as India build towards the upcoming international assignment.

The New Zealand series will offer Rohit another opportunity to contribute in the format in which he has enjoyed considerable success over the course of his career.

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Virat Kohli Focuses on Batting Practice at Brabourne Stadium

Kohli also stepped up his preparations, spending nearly two hours batting in the nets at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

The former India captain faced both fast bowlers and spinners during the session. He was seen playing drives through the covers, defending confidently off the back foot and using his feet to attack spin bowling.

The training session highlighted Kohli’s focus ahead of the New Zealand tour. His ability to rotate the strike, find boundaries and control the pace of an innings makes him a key figure in India’s ODI batting line-up.

Kohli arrives at the series following an impressive ODI run against the West Indies, during which he crossed 15,000 career runs in the format and registered his 55th ODI century. Maintaining that form will be a major objective as India prepare for the upcoming matches.

India vs New Zealand: ODI Series Begins on November 4

India and New Zealand are scheduled to contest five ODIs between November 4 and November 15, 2026. The opening match will be played in Auckland, followed by fixtures in Wellington and Hamilton. The final two matches are scheduled for Mount Maunganui.

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side in the final two matches.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in the squad for the series. Their experience will be important as India look to build a strong combination against a New Zealand side known for its competitiveness in international cricket.

The series will also provide India with an opportunity to assess players and combinations ahead of future ODI commitments.

Rohit and Kohli’s Experience Could Be Crucial

Rohit and Kohli have played central roles in India’s success in international cricket for more than a decade. Their experience in different conditions and their understanding of pressure situations give the batting line-up valuable stability.

Rohit’s attacking approach at the top can help India establish momentum during the Powerplay, while Kohli’s consistency and ability to construct innings make him an important option in the middle overs and during run chases.

Their individual training sessions suggest that both players are working towards the series well in advance. However, practice footage alone cannot determine their eventual form or performance once the matches begin.

India will hope that the two senior batters can convert their preparations into strong performances against New Zealand.

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What to Expect from India in the New Zealand ODIs

The upcoming series is an important opportunity for India to test their ODI combinations against a competitive opponent. The team will need contributions from its top order, middle order and bowling unit to secure consistent results across the five matches.

Rohit and Kohli will attract particular attention because of their stature and recent performances. Their partnership at the crease could prove valuable in setting targets or guiding India through difficult chases.

With the opening ODI scheduled for November 4, preparations are now gathering pace. India’s supporters will be eager to see how the experienced pair perform as the team begins its next chapter in the 50-over format.

This report is based on coverage of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s training sessions in Mumbai and the BCCI’s announced schedule for India’s New Zealand ODI series.