Archive · 7 Jan 2026
New Zealand Warns Against Underestimating Kohli and Rohit
New Zealand's cricket captain, Michael Bracewell, said it would be a mistake to underestimate Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
He thinks they should play in the next ODI World Cup because they are still playing very well.
The teams will play three ODIs in India, starting on January 13.
Some key New Zealand players like Mitchell Santner are missing, so Bracewell said the team will try their best to fill those roles.
Daryl Mitchell, another New Zealand player, talked about focusing on the current series against India and not thinking too much about the T20 World Cup yet.
He said playing in India will help them prepare for the World Cup.
Henry Nicholls, a New Zealand batter, said playing against India in their home conditions will be a great challenge for the young players in their team.
He also mentioned that the excitement and passion of Indian fans make playing there a special experience.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell warned against underestimating Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, backing them to play in the 2025 ODI World Cup.
The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will start on January 13 in Vadodara, with matches on January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore.
Key New Zealand players like Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, and Rachin Ravindra are missing from the touring party.
Daryl Mitchell emphasized the importance of focusing on the current ODI series against India and not dwelling on the T20 World Cup.
Henry Nicholls highlighted the challenge and excitement of playing against India in their home conditions, especially for the young players in the New Zealand team.
- Who
- New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell, batter Daryl Mitchell, batter Henry Nicholls, and Indian players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
- What
- New Zealand warns against underestimating Kohli and Rohit; focuses on ODI series against India
- When
- January 13, 14, 18, 2025 (ODI series); February 7 to March 8, 2025 (T20 World Cup)
- Where
- India (Vadodara, Rajkot, Indore)
- Why
- To prepare for the T20 World Cup and compete in the ODI series against India
- Players
- Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls
- Series
- Three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand
- Dates
- January 13, 14, 18, 2025
- Venues
- Vadodara, Rajkot, Indore
- Key Absentees
- Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra
- New Zealand's Preparation
- ODIs and T20I series in India before T20 World Cup
- New Faces in NZ Team
- Michael Rae, Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox
- T20 World Cup
- February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka
- Indian Bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal
Sources
It would be silly to underestimate Kohli and Rohit: New Zealand ODI captain Bracewell
It would be silly to underestimate Kohli & Rohit: Bracewell
'Bhaiya Vadapav Pahije Ka': Rohit Sharma's Reaction To His Fan's Hilarious Offer At The MCA Cricket Ground Goes Viral | WATCH
‘No reason to stop’: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli get New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell’s backing for 2027 World Cup
NZ Focussed on India White-Ball Challenge, Not T20 WC: Daryl Mitchell
Rohit Sharma video: India batter gets 'vada pav' offer by fans during practice session ahead of NZ series | WATCH
WATCH: Ocean of fans surround Virat Kohli at Vadodara airport on his arrival
Why T20 World Cup not a priority for Kiwis right now!
IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli receives grand welcome in Vadodara ahead of 1st ODI
NZ focussed on India white-ball challenge, not T20 WC: Mitchell
Kohli Mania: Virat Kohli Mobbed By Frenzied Fans At Vadodara Airport Before New Zealand ODIs - Watch
