Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly asked the BCCI to consider resting former captain Virat Kohli for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to start on January 11, 2026.
The idea behind the move is said to be giving opportunities to backup players such as Tilak Varma and others, allowing them greater international exposure and helping build depth for the future.
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Kohli, who is now 37, remains a central figure in Indian cricket, and the reported suggestion has triggered widespread discussion among fans, many of whom have questioned the need to rest such an experienced player. The debate has intensified given Kohli’s continued commitment to the national setup.
Kohli has already made his intentions clear regarding the ICC World Cup in 2027 and has confirmed his availability to the BCCI along with Rohit Sharma. Following this, both senior players were asked to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026. When squads for the domestic tournament were announced, Kohli and Rohit were named in the Delhi and Mumbai teams respectively.
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This has led to further questions among supporters about the rationale behind resting Kohli from the ODI series despite his participation in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, the T20I squad for the New Zealand tour has already been confirmed, with the same group that played in the T20 World Cup set to feature in the series. The ODI squad announcement is expected soon, which may bring more clarity to the situation.
