Amid the ongoing debate about Virat Kohli's preferred format, India's journey towards the 2027 World Cup begins with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand. This series, starting on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the VCA Stadium in Vadodara, is more than just a cricket match; it's a pivotal moment in India's quest to break their World Cup drought. But here's where it gets controversial...
Sanjay Manjrekar sparked a heated discussion when he claimed that Virat Kohli has shied away from Tests in favor of ODIs, the 'easiest' format. This statement has divided analysts and fans alike, especially as it comes on the heels of India's World Cup title drought since 2011. However, India skipper Shubman Gill offered a compelling counterpoint, reminding everyone that if ODIs were truly easy, India would have won the World Cup by now.
The debate rages on, but the fact remains that ODIs can seem easier for top-tier batters like Kohli due to the opposition's focus on containment rather than wicket-taking. Favorable pitches, small boundaries, and minimal swing contribute to this perception. Yet, as Gill pointed out, no format is truly easy; it takes resilience, persistence, and determination to win big ICC tournaments.
Kohli's success in ODIs is not merely a product of easy conditions. It's the result of countless hours in the nets, a disciplined lifestyle, peak physical conditioning, and an insatiable appetite for success. He didn't become 'one of the greatest ODI batsmen ever' by taking the easy way out.
As India prepares for the New Year and the 22-month journey to the 2027 World Cup, the team will need Kohli in top form, with the same mental state and hunger that has driven his success. The series against New Zealand will be a crucial test, with the first match on January 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM local time.
Team News: With Shubman Gill back at the helm, he will reclaim his place at the top of the order, potentially confining Yashasvi Jaiswal to the bench. Accommodating three specialist pacers will be challenging, with Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana likely to miss out. The all-rounder Nitish Reddy's inclusion is also in question. The final spot in the XI could come down to a choice between Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, with Ravindra Jadeja a certainty.
New Zealand, on the other hand, is led by Michael Bracewell, with Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra, and Jacob Duffy out of the squad. Despite their recent series wins against Pakistan, England, and the West Indies, India will not take them lightly.
Did you know that India are on a seven-match winning streak against New Zealand, with no ODI loss since 2023? At home venues, India have won seven successive matches against the visitors since 2017. Since 2020, India has won 9 of the last 10 bilateral ODI series at home, with the only defeat coming against Australia in March 2023.
What they said: 'The team atmosphere is amazing. The players that you named (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) have been in this atmosphere for decades, and they are the people who always try to push the Indian cricket team forward. Even in the last series, you saw how well they performed, so I think the atmosphere in the team is great right now.' - Shubman Gill on the Indian team.
'It's always a pleasure to come here to India and play against the Indian side. We want to gain some experience of playing in these conditions and put on a good show for it. And have a competitive ODI series. A month before the T20 World Cup, getting used to a lot of these conditions. We won't be in the same venue, but in general, getting used to the nature of the surfaces that they have.' - Michael Bracewell, New Zealand skipper, on the relevance of the ODI series for his team.
