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India lost its first ODI series of 2026 by 1-2 to New Zealand on January 18, Sunday. Apart from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, there is no mention of other senior batters fielded in the three matches hosted by India. Kohli was the highest run-getter for India, while Rohit floundered amidst criticism from Indian cricket fans.

 

In the first ODI match held at Vadodara on January 11, Kohli scored 93 runs off 91 balls, helping India post a rather respectable total. In the second ODI match played in Rajkot on January 14, he made 23 runs off 29 balls. In the last ODI on January 18 at Indore, Kohli struck 124 runs off 108 balls, but India lost the match by 12 runs after failing to chase down 338. He ended the series with 240 runs in 3 innings.

 

On the contrary, Rohit Sharma had a quiet series scoring 26, 24, and 11. This was not a good comeback to ODI cricket for the edge veteran. It was an unfortunate defeat to have suffered on home soil, especially, being the first-ever home series defeat at the hands of New Zealand in ODIs.

 

No International Games For Rohit And Kohli For Four Months

 

After the series, both players will be away from the international game for nearly four months. Neither Rohit nor Kohli plays T20Is for India anymore. Internationals are off India’s radar in April and May, owing to IPL.

 

While Kohli will feature for RCB, Rohit Sharma will mark his presence with MI in IPL 2026. Their next chance with the Indian team for the ODI series will come around July 2026, depending selection based on fitness, form, and if they want to play ODIs.

 

Also Read | Virat Kohli surpasses Ricky Ponting in unique feat despite defeat in final ODI against New Zealand

 

Next ODI Assignment After IPL 2026

 

In July 2026, India will tour England for five T20Is and three ODIs, with ODIs on 14, 16, and 19 July. These may be the first ODIs for Rohit and Kohli back in the game, if they are still playing.

 

India vs England ODI Series 2026 Schedule

 

Date	Day	Match	Venue	Time (IST)
July 14	Tuesday	1st ODI	Edgbaston, Birmingham	05:30 PM
July 16	Thursday	2nd ODI	Sophia Gardens, Cardiff	05:30 PM
July 19	Sunday	3rd ODI	Lord’s, London	03:30 PM

 

India and England last met for the ODI series in July 2022, which India won 2-1. That series also had Rohit and Kohli in the playing XI.

 

After the England tour, India is expected to play more ODIs throughout 2026. India may play one Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan in June 2026, but there is no official confirmation of this yet. Later in the year, India will host West Indies for three ODIs and then play three ODIs in New Zealand. India will also host Sri Lanka for three ODIs in December 2026.