![Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: @Cricketer_SR/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772545815781_ViratKohliandRohitSharma.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: @Cricketer_SR/x]
The Indian cricket team’s schedule for the upcoming all-format tour of New Zealand later this year is set to undergo a minor tweak. Originally slated to play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20I matches on the tour, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has now reportedly made a special request to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
As per the request, the NZC is suggesting to re-shape the tour in a bid to accommodate more ODI fixtures, owing to the higher commercial interest around the format. The larger interest around 50-overs internationals is likely attributed to the fact that both, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are only playing ODI cricket for Team India following their T20I and Test retirements.
India to play five ODIs instead of three on New Zealand tour
Team India will likely play five ODIs against hosts New Zealand later this year, thus making way from the planned three-match ODI series between the two sides. As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to remain central figures around Indian cricket despite playing just ODI format, an extended 50-overs series will be expected to enhance greater revenues, crowd turn outs and overall commercial value for New Zealand Cricket.
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As reported by CricHub on March 3, the NZC has already proposed the plan to the BCCI, and the two boards will likely be unveiling an official schedule of the tour within the coming days or weeks.
India to tour New Zealand after four years
In any case, Team India will be touring New Zealand in October later this year. The tour will mark India’s first international trip to the country in nearly four years, i.e., since November 2022.
Back in late-2022, the ‘Men in Blue’ travelled to New Zealand to play a series of three T20Is and three ODIs. While the ‘Black Caps’ bagged the ODI series 1-0, India won the T20Is with a similar margin on a rain-marred tour.
However, India’s last all-format tour of New Zealand occurred way back in January 2020. With both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India won the T20Is by an emphatic 5-0 margin. However, the visitors lost the Tests 0-2 and the ODIs 0-3 to Kane Williamson and co.
As per the current FTP, India will play two Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs (subjected to change) later this year. The Test series will also constitute a part of the ongoing 2025-27 WTC cycle.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain commercial powerhouses
New Zealand’s latest reported request pretty much underscores the commercial value of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Two of the biggest names in the modern-day game, both Kohli and Rohit last played international cricket for Team India during a home ODI series against the ‘Black Caps’ a couple of months ago.
Before the upcoming away series against New Zealand, the two batting behemoths are also lined up to face Afghanistan, England and West Indies in India’s road towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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