India’s batting heavyweights Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have wasted no time in getting back into the groove as the national team gears up for the first ODI against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 11 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. With the three-match series marking their return to international cricket, the senior duo looked sharp and focused during an intense training session shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A video posted by the BCCI on X captured Kohli and Rohit fully immersed in preparations alongside the rest of the squad. The clip quickly gained traction online, reflecting the excitement surrounding the return of two of India’s most celebrated cricketers to the 50-over format. Kohli’s Rhythm, Rohit’s Timing on Display Watch the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) In the nets, Kohli appeared fluent and confident, rolling back the years with crisp off-drives and controlled strokeplay across the ground. His batting session underlined the form he has carried over the past few months, particularly after a dominant ODI series against South Africa in December, where he walked away with the Player of the Series award. Kohli’s recent domestic outings have further strengthened his case. Turning out for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in over a decade, he struck a composed 131 against Andhra Pradesh and followed it up with a smooth 77 against Gujarat, showing that his hunger for runs remains undiminished. Rohit, meanwhile, focused on timing and placement, working extensively on leg-glances, pulls, and rotation of strike. The Indian skipper looked relaxed yet purposeful, fine-tuning his game as he prepares to lead the side through another crucial ODI assignment. Also Read | Virat Kohli eyeing to overtake Sachin Tendulkar; Know which records in which Kohli may excel in the upcoming ODI series Fielding Drills and World Cup Focus Beyond batting, both players were seen actively involved in fielding drills, catching practice, and running exercises, highlighting the team’s emphasis on all-round readiness. The BCCI captioned the video “RoKo reloaded,” a phrase that resonated strongly with fans eager to see the pair back in India colours. Rohit comes into the series as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, having scored 146 runs in the South Africa series. His domestic return also produced a commanding 155, despite a rare failure in the following match. With both Kohli and Rohit now committed exclusively to ODIs, the New Zealand series takes on added significance. Strong performances here could go a long way in shaping India’s roadmap toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, where experience and consistency will be at a premium.