India's batting juggernauts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently gearing up for their next assignment, which is the ODI series against New Zealand which is slated to get underway from January 11. With both veterans now focusing exclusively on ODIs and Tests, every 50-over appearance they make carries immense commercial value and fan expectation. This heightened hype is currently on full display as India prepares for a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand, where the demand for tickets has reached unprecedented levels.
Just 8 minutes! Kohli-Rohit spark ticket frenzy ahead of Vadodara ODI
The scale of this craze was evidenced by the ticket sales for the opening match in Vadodara, which reportedly sold out in a mere eight minutes. This frenzy is fueled by the fact that both players are at the peak of their powers in the format; Rohit currently holds the no.1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, with Kohli following closely as the no.2 ranked batter. Their dominance was further solidified by a sensational run of form at the end of 2025 during high-stakes series against Australia and South Africa.
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RO-KO's stellar show in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Neither Kohli nor Rohit intends to step aside quietly. Both veterans have been actively competing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain their edge, representing Delhi and Mumbai, respectively. Their domestic form remains sharp, Rohit notched a century and a duck in his two appearances, while the 37-year-old Kohli has been even more consistent, posting a hundred and a fifty. Kohli’s commitment to the format is evident, as he has even made himself available for an additional fixture in the tournament.
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With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon and a limited number of ODIs scheduled between now and then, both players are treating every match as a vital opportunity to solidify their standing. The public is equally invested in this narrative, and the intense interest in these sub-plots suggests that the upcoming India-New Zealand series will receive overwhelming support. While the official squad has not yet been announced, it is widely anticipated that both icons will be the first names on the list.