India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand follows the team's 3–2 T20I series victory over the same opposition. Shubman Gill will captain the side for the first three ODIs, while Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are returning to the format for this contest. Ajinkya Rahane has reflected on the significance of having both senior batters in the squad as the team prepares for the upcoming challenge.

Rahane, who retired from all forms of professional cricket on July 30, 2026, emphasised how the presence of Kohli and Sharma strengthens India's squad structure. He highlighted the value their accumulated experience brings to handling the dynamic situations that arise in ODI cricket, particularly for the younger members of the team.

"You get to learn many things. You learn how to handle every situation. You learn how to take success and failure. Many times, the situation keeps changing in ODI cricket," Rahane said on Sony LIV.

"So how do you tackle that? Both have such vast experience. They have played so many matches," he added.

Rahane elaborated on how direct interaction with both players offers invaluable lessons that extend beyond what younger cricketers might already know. He stressed that despite the experience younger players accumulate, the knowledge base of Kohli and Sharma remains unmatched given their lengthy international careers spanning multiple decades.

"They have been playing for so many years. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have seen everything. No matter how much you learn, it's less. You need to ask questions as youngsters. Many times, you don't talk in the middle of the match, but go to both of them and ask questions, and you will get to learn a lot," Rahane said.

Excitement at watching Kohli and Sharma bat again

Rahane expressed his personal enthusiasm at witnessing both players in action once again. He reflected on the familiarity of watching them bat during their time as teammates and acknowledged the recent discussions surrounding their careers before their return to ODI cricket.

"I am extremely excited to see both of them. The excitement used to be the same when we used to play together, the way they used to bat. Given the talk that was happening off the field recently, they have shown why they are such great players," Rahane said.

Rahane concluded by emphasising how Kohli and Sharma's demonstrated class, consistent run-scoring ability and the attitude they bring to the game provide a significant advantage for the entire squad. Their presence benefits not only the younger players but also captain Gill as India prepares for the New Zealand series.

"They have shown the class they have. They have scored runs, but the attitude and passion with which they play even now, both of them remaining in the team is extremely advantageous for the youngsters and for captain Shubman Gill," Rahane said.