Fit Rohit matches Kohli's flair on the field as India run riot in Auckland

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli produced sharp fielding efforts to help India dominate New Zealand in the opening ODI in Auckland. It looks like these two are all-in in their preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Rohit Sharma's stunning fielding effort leads to the wicket of Daryl Mitchell. (Screengrab: SonyLiv)New Delhi,Nov 4, 2026 11:17 ISTMake no mistake, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are pushing hard for a place at the 2027 ODI World Cup. The intensity of their efforts was on show in Auckland on Wednesday as the two senior India batters combined to manufacture two wickets against New Zealand in the opening ODI of the five-match series.India dominated proceedings, reducing New Zealand to 146/9 in 35 overs. The four fast bowlers in the Indian attack were impressive as the hosts struggled to negotiate the pace, bounce and hint of seam movement on offer.NZ vs IND, 1st ODI: UPDATESArshdeep Singh picked up four wickets, while Anshul Kamboj claimed two as India kept New Zealand under pressure. But amid the bowlers' impressive showing, it was the fielding efforts of the two senior statesmen that caught the eye. Rohit Sharma set the tone in the 22nd over. Shubman Gill had brought spin into the attack for the first time in the match when Glenn Phillips tapped the ball towards the leg side and set off for a single, hoping to take advantage of his partner Daryl Mitchell's proficiency against slower bowling.The batters hesitated briefly, unsure whether to commit to the run. Rohit needed no second invitation. Charging in from short midwicket, he collected the ball and fired a rocket throw to KL Rahul, who was standing at the stumps. Rahul whipped off the bails in a flash, catching Mitchell short of his crease.The dismissal sparked celebrations among the Indian supporters in the stands and offered another reminder of Rohit's sharpness in the field.With the 39-year-old raising the bar, Kohli was hardly going to be left behind.Fielding in the slips in the 29th over, Kohli flung himself to his right to grab an edge from Nathan Smith. The ball travelled at considerable speed, giving the fielder little time to react, but Kohli's sharp reflexes and anticipation helped him complete the catch.KOHLI WHATTA CATCH!! https://t.co/3OjINEdB3G— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) November 4, 2026India eventually bowled New Zealand out for 185 in 40.2 overs, with their seamers leading the charge and the fielders ensuring the pressure never eased. For Rohit and Kohli, the two dismissals were another demonstration of the athleticism and commitment they continue to bring to the side as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.- Ends