A significant debate has emerged in Indian cricket, initiated by former player-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, regarding the perceived 'easiest format' of cricket. Manjrekar controversially claimed that One-Day Internationals (ODIs) are less challenging for top-order batsmen, a statement that has been widely interpreted as an indirect dig at Virat Kohli, particularly following Kohli's decision to retire from Tests and T20Is to focus on the 50-over format. Manjrekar supported his stance by suggesting that ODI bowlers primarily aim for run control rather than early wickets, and that many top-order ODI batters were traditionally middle-order Test players who shied away from the longer format's rigours. This sparked a strong reaction, including from Virat Kohli's brother, Vikas Kohli, who criticized those using Virat's name for attention. Adding to the discussion, newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill subtly challenged Manjrekar's view, asserting that no format is inherently easy, as evidenced by India's inability to win an ODI World Cup since 2011. Concurrently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has commenced the strategic planning for India's campaign towards the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. A detailed roadmap has been unveiled, featuring numerous ODI series both at home and away against prominent cricketing nations. These series are crucial for identifying and nurturing talent, refining team combinations, and testing strategies under diverse conditions. Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the ODI captaincy, with Shreyas Iyer named as his deputy, signifying a transitional phase in leadership. Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential involvement and roles of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 World Cup squad, considering their age and the need for long-term team building. The current ODI series against New Zealand is an integral part of this extensive preparation, providing valuable match practice and selection insights.