![Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767167500599_ViratKohliRohitSharmaODIschedule2026.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]
Team India enjoyed stellar success in ODI cricket in 2025. The Men in Blue whitewashed England by three-nil at home before Rohit Sharma led them to an emphatic title win in the ICC Champions Trophy. Although Australia handed them a 2-1 defeat Down Under, India bounced back with another series victory against South Africa to conclude the year. Overall, India won 11 of 14 ODIs in 2025, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing pivotal roles for them.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma looked in great touch, showcasing their batting attributes throughout the year. Although critics doubted Rohit and Kohli's form and fitness for the marquee event, the talismanic cricketers managed to silence them with impactful returns.
The veteran cricketers, having retired from T20Is and Tests, will aim for the upcoming ODIs to prepare for the 2027 World Cup edition. So, as they continue to push for the marquee event, here we list the number of matches they are expected to play in 2026.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma looked in great touch, showcasing their batting attributes throughout the year. Although critics doubted Rohit and Kohli's form and fitness for the marquee event, the talismanic cricketers managed to silence them with impactful returns.
The veteran cricketers, having retired from T20Is and Tests, will aim the upcoming ODIs to prepare for the 2027 World Cup edition. So, as they continue to push for the marquee event, here we list the number of matches they are expected to play in 2026.
How many ODIs will Kohli, Rohit play for India in 2026?
| Opposition | Matches | Home/Away |
| New Zealand | 3 | Home |
| Afghanistan | 3 | Home |
| England | 3 | Away |
| West Indies | 3 | Home |
| New Zealand | 3 | Away |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | Home |
India will kick off their ODI campaign in 2026 with a highly anticipated home series against New Zealand in January. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who recently featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, are expected to play the three-match series, set to take place in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.
The Men in Blue will further take on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series on home soil. Although senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma used to be rested for series against teams like Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, they might feature in the series this time as they have been reduced to one-format players.
India will also tour England and New Zealand for a three-match ODI series in each country. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will likely spearhead the Indian batting on these tours, apart from facing the West Indies and Sri Lanka across six ODIs on home soil.
Besides these six international assignments, India might also face Bangladesh in a high-profile ODI series, which was postponed earlier this year due to the tense geopolitical relationship between the two nations.
Conclusion
Thus, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will likely feature in 18 ODIs in 2026, with doubts still looming over the bilateral series against Bangladesh. Considering their red-hot form, Kohli and Rohit are expected to dominate the batting charts and confirm their berth in India's squad for the 2027 World Cup.
