The charismatic presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma alongside a host of top India cricketers lends unprecedented gravitas to the Vijay Hazare One-Day Trophy beginning on Wednesday, giving all of them a chance to prove a point amid a renewed focus on domestic grind.
After Sunday's defeat in Perth, the three-match series moves to Adelaide on Thursday before concluding in Sydney on Saturday.
As Virat Kohli looks to make amends in Thursday's second ODI at the Adelaide Oval, one of his favourite hunting grounds, former India international Mohammed Kaif said that Virat did not appear to be in his batting zone.
South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen says stopping world-class batters like Virat Kohli becomes almost impossible once they settle in.
Virat Kohli's passion and detachment from personal glory coupled with Rohit Sharma's humility and elegance will not just be etched in record books but will be engraved forever in the hearts of fans, feels former India head coach Greg Chappell.
Sanju Samson's majestic knock of 97 from 50 balls single-handedly powered India to a five-wicket win over West Indies to seal their spot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
At 37, the numbers behind his all-format dominance reveal not just longevity but an unmatched hunger for excellence.
Ishan Kishan opens up about his emotional journey during the T20 World Cup, revealing the personal loss he faced and how he channelled his grief into a match-winning performance.
India will look to address several lingering selection puzzles when they take on South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday in the first ODI of the three-match series, where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the set-up for a short audition that could well shape their 2027 World Cup fate.
'This doesn't look good for the game and Indian cricket.'
Kohli has not played competitive cricket in almost two months after opting out of the recently-concluded Test series against England at home
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League aiming to retain the title, but former India captain Anil Kumble believes the task will be easier said than done.
Virat Kohli confirms his availability for Vijay Hazare Trophy
Dunith Wellalage denied Kohli an easy time on the very pitch
Virat Kohli bounced back in style to score a patient half-century against the Gujarat Titans.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta feels that India's T20I vice-captain Shubham Gill, who is currently struggling to get going in the shortest format, has to play a similar role what Virat Kohli did for so long by consistently holding on to one end.
India great Virat Kohli continued his push to regain his place as the best ODI batter while moving up to the second spot in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday.
Stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can extend their careers till the 2027 ODI World Cup if the two Indian superstars continue their age-defying batting efforts, feels New Zealand pace great Tim Southee.
Never believed in over-preparation, all my game has been mental: Kohli
The One-Day International format will struggle for survival and relevance after the 2027 World Cup once its bonafide greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma decide to call time, says former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
'When I look at Rohit bhai, Virat bhai and the benchmarks they've set for themselves, that's where I want to head.'
'We just want them to go out there and do their magic'
Sanju Samson revealed that his stunning turnaround with the bat in the T20 World Cup was made possible only by the guidance from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who came to his rescue during a rough patch in his career.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that Virat Kohli 'will definitely play' for champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
Ravichandran Ashwin criticises India's team combination and batting order after their 76-run defeat to South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, questioning Rinku Singh's No.8 slot and Axar Patel's omission.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed excitement ahead of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying the tournament always brings energy, passion and unpredictable results.
Defending champions India look to do something they have never done in World Cups and retain the trophy.
Virat Kohli hailed the performance of the visitors on the first day of the ongoing second Test
Virat Kohli has returned to India, ready to rejoin the national squad ahead of the ODI series in Australia.
India captain Virat Kohli cast his vote in Gurugram on Sunday
Virat Kohli smashed record-extending 52nd ODI to guide India to a 17-run win in the series opener, getting India off to a winning start in their three-match series.
Irfan Pathan says the IPL 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium will be the biggest match of the tournament's opening phase.
'India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli... they know that these youngsters are pushing them.'
"He needs to rotate strike, keep the scoreboard moving": Pathan on Virat ahead of 3rd Sydney ODI
Not just Virat's but India's best-ever T20 knock, says Rohit
Rohit Sharma became only the fourth Indian cricketer to complete the landmark of 20,000 runs in international cricket, during the third and final ODI against South Africa.
Kohli maintains highest fitness standards while 23 of his colleagues checked-in at NCA for rehab in 2021-22 season
Social media was all abuzz on Tuesday as Virat Kohli turned 31.
Pinarayi Vijayan hosted Sanju Samson at Cliff House in Thiruvananthapuram, praising his role in India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph as the cricketer spoke about teamwork and inspiring youngsters from Kerala.
'Easily the best innings of his career so far.'