Irfan Pathan tips Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma to score hundreds in ODI series against New Zealand

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has heightened the anticipation for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a series of daring predictions. During a brief interaction with the media at the Mumbai airport, Pathan expressed his firm conviction that veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are poised to reassert their dominance over the 50-over format.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill will hit centuries: Irfan Pathan

Pathan confidently projected that both Kohli and Sharma will notch centuries during the series, which is set to kick off on January 11 in Vadodara. His optimism didn't stop with the senior duo; he also threw his support behind India’s young captain, Shubman Gill, predicting that the rising star will also reach the triple-digit mark against the Kiwis.

“One hundred percent (Rohit and Virat will hit centuries). Rohit will also hit a century, and Shubman will do it too,” Pathan said.

ALSO READ: Will Young responds to talk of avenging champions Trophy final loss vs India in ODI series

The foundation for Pathan’s confidence lies in the sheer dominance displayed by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during India's recent ODI tour of South Africa. Kohli, in particular, was in sublime touch, finishing the three-match series as the leading run-scorer with a staggering 302 runs. His performance was a masterclass in consistency, featuring back-to-back centuries and a dominant unbeaten fifty that underscored his impeccable timing and relentless hunger for runs. His red-hot form spanned throughout 2025, where he amassed 651 runs in 13 matches at a stunning average of 65.10.

Rohit Sharma was equally instrumental in India's success, providing the stability and firepower needed to secure a 2-1 series victory against the Proteas. By contributing two vital half-centuries, the Indian opener proved he is still a force to be reckoned with in the 50-over format. With both senior batters hitting their stride simultaneously, Pathan believes they are perfectly primed to carry this momentum into the upcoming clashes against New Zealand.

ALSO READ: Brendon McCullum snaps at Nasser Hussain's playing-style query in tense TV interview

Sachin Tendulkar's mighty record on Virat Kohli's radar

Meanwhile, Kohli will be chasing Sachin Tendulkar's legendary record in the ODI series against New Zealand. Sitting at a career total of 27,975 international runs, Kohli is just 25 runs away from the monumental 28,000-run mark. If he achieves this during the New Zealand series, or the subsequent matches against England in July—he will become the fastest player to ever reach the milestone. Kohli has achieved his current tally in just 623 innings, significantly outpacing Tendulkar, who reached the same landmark in 644 innings.