Mumbai: New Zealand’s tour of India 2026 gets underway with the first ODI of the three-match series, marking the international return of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their recent appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ahead of the series, JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar shared his insights on JioHotstar’s Follow The Blues, speaking about Rohit Sharma’s evolving approach, Shubman Gill’s growth as a batter and leader, and the significance of senior players featuring in domestic cricket.
Discussing Rohit Sharma’s outlook, Bangar expressed confidence that the India skipper will carry forward his success from 2025 into the current year, albeit with a more measured mindset. He pointed out that Rohit’s focus is firmly on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, where playing the new ball effectively will be crucial. According to Bangar, Rohit is batting in his natural rhythm, without being excessively aggressive, and this balance will help India get strong starts while keeping wickets in hand—an important factor given the evolving dynamics of one-day cricket.
Bangar also spoke highly of Shubman Gill, underlining his adaptability at the top of the order. Since taking over opening responsibilities after Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement, Gill has shown a strong understanding of ODI tempo, the ability to handle both pace and spin, and the maturity to shift gears depending on match situations. Bangar noted that Gill’s experience, coupled with leadership responsibilities, is likely to further enhance his batting consistency and decision-making.
On the technical adjustments Rohit Sharma may need to make for the New Zealand series, Bangar said only minor adaptations would be required. While Rohit trained on Mumbai’s red-soil pitches with extra bounce, venues like Vadodara offer lower bounce. However, at Rohit’s level, such changes are instinctive and subconscious, with players naturally adjusting within the first few overs as they settle into rhythm and conditions.
Highlighting the broader impact of senior players participating in domestic cricket, Bangar stressed that runs alone are not the key takeaway. The presence of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in domestic competitions sends a powerful message to younger players, reinforcing the value of the domestic structure. According to Bangar, this culture, encouraged by the BCCI, strengthens the overall ecosystem and motivates the next generation to embrace competition at every level.
As India prepares to face New Zealand, the blend of experience, evolving strategies and emerging leadership promises an intriguing series for fans and selectors alike.
