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The Board of Control for Cricket in India has made plans to increase the number of ODI matches in India in the upcoming matches against New Zealand Cricket. The Indian cricket team aims to use the ODI matches as a training session to prepare their veteran cricketers before the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027.

India is currently participating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 tournament. They have managed to reach the semi-finals and will be facing the England national cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The T20 World Cup will finish their games, and then the focus will shift to ODIs. India will begin their ODI games, which will take place after the T20 World Cup and IPL games. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play a major role in these 50-over games.

India is expected to tour New Zealand in the months of October and November, as per the present schedule. The tour consists of five T20Is, two ODIs, and two Test games. But reports have indicated that the ODI series could be extended by two more games. If this happens, then the T20I series could be reduced from five games to just three games.

Rohit and Kohli will get more match exposure, and this will help them in preparing for their 2027 World Cup games in ODIs.

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The idea of increasing ODIs was initiated by New Zealand Cricket, as per reports. India has to prepare for the World Cup, and New Zealand has to make their business interest satisfied, as per their reason.

The ODI series between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could attract more viewers and sponsors, and the games become more important as they could be the last opportunity for both senior Indian players to compete in New Zealand.

There has been no official announcement from both boards at this time, and the final schedule is expected to be confirmed soon.

India will begin its ODI tournament in June with its upcoming fixture against Afghanistan. India will play against England in July. India will host the West Indies in a home fixture and conclude their home season with Sri Lanka.

The BCCI has not revealed its yearly calendar yet. They are slowly beginning to shift their attention to preparing a competitive side to compete in their ICC World Cup 2027 World Cup.

The expansion of the New Zealand ODI series will give Indian seniors more chances to make effective tournament preparation.