Virat Kohli is stepping up his preparations ahead of India’s upcoming one-day international series against New Zealand, with the veteran batter putting in extra work in the nets before what could be his final tour of the country as an international cricketer.

Having already retired from Test and Twenty20 international cricket, Kohli now represents India exclusively in the ODI format. With fewer opportunities to play international cricket, maintaining his rhythm and match readiness has become increasingly important. His latest training session in Mumbai suggests he is determined to make the most of the opportunities that remain.

A video circulating on social media showed Kohli batting in the nets at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. The session comes ahead of India’s scheduled departure for New Zealand, with the ODI series set to begin on 4 November. The batter is expected to travel to New Zealand within the next few days.

The possibility that this could be Kohli’s final tour of New Zealand has added to the anticipation surrounding the series. One of the most accomplished batters of his generation, he has built his reputation on consistency, intense preparation and an ability to perform under pressure. With his international career now focused solely on ODIs, each assignment carries added significance.

Attention is also turning towards next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa. Questions about whether Kohli and fellow senior batter Rohit Sharma will feature in the tournament have continued to fuel discussion among cricket followers. Both have played significant roles in India’s recent international campaigns, and their potential involvement could be an important consideration as the team plans for the competition.

New Zealand assistant coach James Pamment has recently offered his perspective on the futures of the two Indian stars. Pamment, who was Bangladesh’s fielding coach until around a month ago, brings considerable experience from international and franchise cricket. During his eight-year spell as fielding coach with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, he worked closely with Rohit.

Discussing the possibility of Kohli and Rohit continuing their careers through the next World Cup, Pamment said senior players had earned the right to decide when they wanted to retire.

He observed that conversations about retirement were natural as the careers of leading cricketers approached their later stages. In his view, players who had achieved so much at the highest level deserved the freedom to determine when they wished to step away from the game.

Pamment added that if the World Cup in South Africa was a final major objective for the two players, they should be given the opportunity to pursue it. Their continued selection, however, would ultimately depend on their performances and the contributions they could make to the team.

The New Zealand assistant coach also praised Kohli’s professionalism, describing him as an outstanding example of the standards expected of an elite cricketer.

Although Pamment said he had never worked directly alongside Kohli, he had observed him closely during his time with the New Zealand set-up and while working in the IPL. He described the Indian batter as an exemplary professional and said he would always want a player of Kohli’s calibre in his team.

The praise reflects the reputation Kohli has developed throughout his career. His discipline, preparation and commitment to maintaining high standards have been defining features of his approach to the game. As he concentrates on the 50-over format, those qualities will remain important in sustaining his form and contributing to India’s ambitions.

Meanwhile, India are currently involved in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. According to the original report, India are leading the series 2-0.

With the ODI contest approaching, Kohli’s form and preparation will be closely watched. The series will offer another opportunity for the experienced batter to demonstrate his value in the format, while the wider discussion about his future and the next World Cup is likely to continue. For now, his focus appears firmly on the immediate task: preparing thoroughly and delivering for India when the action begins.