All eyes on Ro-Ko as duo returns for NZ series

• Rohit & Kohli return to India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series.
• Performances in SA ODIs & domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy influenced selection.
• VHT stint helped polish batting skills & tested fitness for the ODI format.

New Delhi: The veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to light up the Indian cricket once again by making their return in the setup. Both

Rohit and Kohli, who were last seen in the South Africa ODI series and also featured in couple of Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for their respective sides last month, will return to the field on Sunday.

India lock horns against the Kiwis in the three-match series opener in Vadodara on January 11 and all the eyes would again be on the stalwarts. The senior batters have been excelling in the only format they play now as they have unleashed their best cricketing skills amid a lot of criticism for their existence and places in the young Indian team.

Ro-Ko return to influence India in NZ ODIs

Team India would be relying on the efforts of both the batters in the upcoming ODI series against the Kiwis as the duo would also be wanting to replicate what they did in their last international series against the Proteas and the domestic matches last month. Their performances not only in the international fixtures against South Africa and Australia earlier last year but their efforts and prowess on return to domestic cricket will influence the team’s overall performance in the ODI series against the Kiwis.

The intent of the BCCI’s directive to all the senior players to play domestic cricket was clear as they wanted them to maintain the right rhythm and mindset required for the 50-over matches after a long focus on just the T20Is and Tests to a certain extent. Keeping in mind the upcoming ODI assignments, the duo also did not let the management and themselves down as they flourished on their domestic return.

Bundle of runs, composure to aid India in NZ games

Bundle of runs, calm and composure is what they exhibited in the VHT games respectively for their sides, making a statement that they are here to stay. Not only did their performance in the recent matches cement their place for the upcoming assignments but it will also prove to be helpful for the entire team in the upcoming series.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy stint not only helped the duo polish their batting skills but also tested their fitness in the 50-over format. Keeping in mind a limited number of ODI series’ scheduled before the big ODI World Cup 2027, the showings in the domestic cricket will serve as a benchmark in the forthcoming series against Kiwis.

Not only has it aided Rohit and Kohli’s return and performance but the VHT became a platform for the injured Shreyas Iyer, who missed a lot of international action but made his return in VHT with a fine show.