Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma start preparations as crowd gathers around nets ahead of NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs [Watch]

The Indian men's cricket team has hit the ground running in New Zealand ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 ODI series, and the spotlight remains firmly fixed on veteran icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

A practice video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shows the talismanic batting duo gearing up with intense net sessions, drawing massive local attention.

As the two stalwarts made their way toward the practice wickets carrying their kit bags, passionate Indian cricket fans flocked to the perimeter fences to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Chants and cheers echoed across the ground as fans recorded videos on their phones, underscoring the enduring aura and global appeal of the veteran pair.

Both batters looked sharp, focused, and determined in the training clip. Rohit Sharma exhibited his trademark front-foot elegance, driving through extra cover and unleashing powerful pulls against local net bowlers.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli mirrored that intensity with his signature cover drives, crisp lofted shots, and sharp bat-swing. Kohli was also seen exchanging fist bumps with Rohit before the pair wrapped up the session and walked back amid deafening cheers from the assembled crowd.

Watch the clip here:

With the ODI series serving as a critical stepping stone in India’s long-term 50-over roadmap, the form and leadership of Rohit and Kohli remain paramount in countering New Zealand's testing conditions.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI records in New Zealand

Both modern-day greats boast extensive experience across white-ball tours in New Zealand, delivering several memorable match-winning moments on Kiwi soil.

Across 13 ODI innings in New Zealand, Kohli has piled up 596 runs at a solid average of almost 50. His highest score on Kiwi soil is a fluent 123 off 111 balls, made at McLean Park in Napier during the 2014 tour. Overall in New Zealand, the former India captain has registered one century and four half-centuries.

Taking into account his full career against the Black Caps across all venues, Kohli has amassed 1,897 runs in 36 innings at an average of 57.48.

In his 13 ODI innings in New Zealand, Rohit has scored 437 runs at an average of 36.41, with four half-centuries to his name. His personal best in the country came at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, where he scored 87 off 96 balls during India’s 4-1 bilateral series victory in 2019.

In his broader ODI career against New Zealand across all venues, Rohit has compiled 1,134 runs across 32 innings at an average of 36.58, including two centuries and six fifties.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️