New Zealand Requests Five-Match ODI Series to Capitalize on Rohit-Virat Appeal

India is set to play their first five-match ODI series in seven years as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) pushes for a schedule overhaul ahead of the highly anticipated tour later in 2025. According to reports, NZC has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to increase the ODI count from three to five, while trimming the T20I series from five matches to three.

The Rohit-Virat Commercial Factor

The driving force behind the proposal is purely commercial. Since both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test and T20I cricket, ODIs remain the only format where fans can watch the two icons represent India. Broadcasters and stakeholders anticipate significantly stronger viewership and revenues from a longer ODI series featuring the two legends, making NZC’s case a financially compelling one for all parties involved.

World Cup Preparation on the Agenda

Beyond the commercial angle, the expanded series carries strategic importance for India. With the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled for October-November in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, more 50-over cricket provides crucial preparation time. Notably, this tour represents India’s last assignment against a SENA nation — South Africa, England, New Zealand, or Australia — before the mega event, making every ODI particularly valuable for squad building and planning.

India last played a five-match away ODI series against New Zealand back in January 2019, making this a long-overdue return to a full bilateral format between two of cricket’s heavyweights.