New Zealand request BCCI for extended ODI series against India

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has reportedly requested a modification to the Indian team's upcoming all-format tour schedule for later this year. While the tour was initially set to include two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, the NZC has approached the BCCI with a proposal to increase the number of 50-over matches. The shift is aimed at maximizing commercial revenue, as interest in the ODI format has surged among fans and broadcasters.

Kohli-Rohit mania sweeps New Zealand, India urged to play 5 ODIs on tour

This heightened demand for ODIs is primarily driven by the unique status of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Following their retirements from T20Is and Test cricket, the two legends are now active only in the 50-over format for the national side. By extending the series to five ODIs instead of the planned three, New Zealand Cricket hopes to capitalize on their massive star power, ensuring higher ticket sales and greater global viewership.

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As reported by CricHub on March 3, the proposal is currently being reviewed by the BCCI. If approved, the tour will mark India's first visit to New Zealand in nearly four years, since their last trip in November 2022. Both cricket boards are expected to unveil the finalized and officially adjusted schedule in the coming weeks as they iron out the logistics of the expanded series.

Team India is set to travel to New Zealand this October, marking their first international visit to the country in nearly four years. Their last trip took place in November 2022, where the two sides competed in a rain-affected white-ball series. On that occasion, India secured a 1-0 victory in the T20Is, while the Black Caps claimed the ODI series by the same margin.

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India’s first full-format tour of New Zealand since 2020

The upcoming visit will be India’s first full-format tour of the country since January 2020. That previous tour was a tale of two halves: India achieved an emphatic 5-0 clean sweep in the T20I series under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but struggled in the longer formats. They were ultimately outplayed by Kane Williamson’s side, losing the Test series 0-2 and the ODIs 0-3.

Under the current Future Tours Programme (FTP), the 2026 tour is slated to include two Tests, five T20Is, and three ODIs, though the number of 50-over matches may increase following a recent request from New Zealand Cricket. Notably, the two Test matches will carry extra weight as they form a crucial part of the ongoing 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

All eyes will be on RO-KO

The tour will see the return of Kohli and Rohit. Now focusing exclusively on the ODI format following their retirements from T20Is and Tests, the legendary duo last appeared for India in a home series against New Zealand in January 2026. Before they head to New Zealand, fans will see the batting icons in action during home series against Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies as India intensifies its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.