Rohit Sharma starts training in Mumbai amid Ranji Trophy for New Zealand ODIs

Rohit Sharma Begins New Zealand ODI Preparations as India Balance Form and Workload

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has begun preparing for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, training at the Mumbai Cricket Association ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The sessions come as India’s tour schedule gathers pace: the Men in Blue are already contesting a five-match T20I series before turning their attention to three ODIs and then a two-Test assignment.

India have won two of the first five T20Is, according to the tour update, and will now look ahead to the 50-over matches. Rohit’s return to training has drawn attention not only because of his importance at the top of the order, but also because his recent ODI performances have strengthened the case for him to remain a key part of India’s plans.

Rohit trains at BKC ahead of the ODI challenge

A post shared by Times of India journalist Gaurav Gupta showed Rohit working out at the Mumbai Cricket Association ground in BKC. The opener also met members of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team in the dressing room before their match against Haryana. The visit offered a glimpse of his preparation as he builds towards the New Zealand series.

Rohit was last seen in action in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, where he produced a strong return. He scored 225 runs across the series, including a century and a score of 92. His performances reflected a measured approach: taking time to settle before increasing the tempo and putting pressure on the opposition during the middle overs.

That ability to shift gears remains one of Rohit’s most valuable qualities in one-day cricket. Against New Zealand, he will face a different test. Conditions in the country can offer movement through the air and off the pitch, particularly early in an innings. A confident start from India’s senior opener could therefore be important in setting the tone for the rest of the batting order.

Recent numbers strengthen Rohit’s World Cup case

Rohit’s form since the start of 2025 has also helped answer questions about his place in India’s ODI plans. The 39-year-old has scored 1,254 runs in 26 innings during that period, averaging 50.14. His tally includes four centuries and six half-centuries—figures that underline his continued ability to make substantial contributions in the format.

Those numbers are particularly relevant as India look towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speculation has surrounded Rohit’s commitment to playing in the tournament, but his recent output and ongoing preparation indicate that he remains focused on competing at the highest level. The New Zealand series will provide another opportunity to assess his rhythm against a challenging attack and in conditions that differ from those at home.

For selectors and supporters, Rohit’s role extends beyond his individual run tally. His experience can help guide a batting group that includes players with varying levels of international exposure. His knowledge of pacing an innings, managing pressure and attacking at the right moments could prove valuable during a demanding overseas series.

India’s bowling remains an area to watch

India enter the ODI leg with a strong batting lineup, but questions remain about the balance and depth of the bowling attack. The team won its most recent ODI series against the West Indies, yet the bowling unit faced criticism after conceding runs at key stages. Some observers have argued that India should make greater use of senior bowlers, including players who have performed well in domestic cricket.

The New Zealand matches will offer the attack a fresh test. Seam-friendly conditions may reward disciplined lines, movement and effective use of the new ball, while the ability to contain scoring in the middle overs will also be crucial. India’s bowlers will need to complement the team’s batting strength by building pressure and limiting New Zealand’s opportunities to accelerate.

That makes the series more than a test of India’s top order. It will also give the team management a chance to evaluate combinations, assess the performance of less-experienced options and determine how best to support the attack in different conditions. The bowling unit’s response could be one of the most important storylines of the tour.

Split captaincy and workload management shape India’s plans

India have announced different leadership arrangements for the ODI series. Shubman Gill is set to captain the side in the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer will take charge for the final two. The selection plan reflects the tight schedule between the white-ball fixtures and the subsequent two-Test series.

With only four days between the end of the ODI series and the start of the Tests, managing player workload is a central consideration. Key players, including Gill and KL Rahul, have been left out of the final two ODIs as India prepare to preserve important members of the Test setup. Their availability and fitness could be significant in a format that places different physical and technical demands on players.

The split arrangement also gives India an opportunity to distribute responsibility across the squad. Gill will lead the opening phase of the ODI campaign, while Iyer will take over for the final two games. How the team adapts to the change—and whether the reshuffled lineup can maintain consistency—will be an added point of interest for fans following the tour.

What to expect from Rohit in New Zealand

Rohit’s preparation at BKC suggests that he is approaching the series with a clear focus. His recent ODI record offers encouragement, but New Zealand’s conditions are likely to demand patience, sound judgement and a willingness to adjust. The opener’s prediction for success will depend in part on how quickly he reads the movement on offer and how effectively he builds an innings before attacking.

For India, the three-match series brings several questions into focus: Can the bowling unit deliver more consistent performances? Will the batting depth translate into runs away from home? And can Rohit carry his recent form into another demanding assignment? His training, experience and recent scoring provide reasons for optimism, while the conditions ensure that the challenge will be far from straightforward.

As the team moves from T20 cricket into the ODI format, Rohit’s presence gives India a proven campaigner at the top of the order. The New Zealand series will test both his preparation and India’s wider planning, with the results likely to offer useful clues about the team’s direction ahead of the 2027 World Cup.