IND vs NZ 2026: 'Many of our players look up to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma' - Will Young praises former Indian captains

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not just two stalwarts of Indian cricket but are remarkable ambassadors of the sport. They have built incredible legacies, helping India win several games, not just as batters but also as captains of the national team.

New Zealand batter Will Young, who will be in action during the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, revealed that many players in the Kiwi camp take inspiration from Kohli and Rohit.

"Kohli and Sharma are incredible players and they've been at the top of their game in world cricket for a long, long time. (They are the) players that I look up to, (along with) a lot of the other players in this Black Caps group, we've always looked up to too," Young told reporters at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium.

Young is a bit apprehensive about the relevance of the ODI matches between India and New Zealand as the T20 World Cup is looming. After playing three ODIs, India and New Zealand will meet in a five-match T20I series.

"Especially with the T20 World Cup round the corner, it is easy to have the series lost in the greater context. (But) when you're playing for your country, there should always be those two things (passion and motivation). It is a slightly different format from Test and T20 cricket, and these days you probably play a little bit less as well. But you've got to remember, there's still two ICC world events - the Champions Trophy and the World Cup - which has had so much wonderful history over such a long time," Young mentioned.

Young promises to support youngsters in New Zealand's squad for India tour

The Kiwis have picked a lot of exciting young players in their squad for the tour of India. Young believes that this is a great platform for those youngsters to repay the faith shown in their abilities by the selectors.

"It is a slightly different team, but one thing the Black Caps group over the last few years has had to deal with is different personnel coming in and out. There's franchise leagues, there's personal matters that come up and it's been awesome to see that the youngsters come into this group and excel and do well right from the word go," Young said.

The experienced New Zealand batter asserted that the senior players and coaching staff will provide all the necessary support the youngsters will need during the challenging white-ball tour of India.

"One thing we talk about is, putting into the bucket - a nice metaphor - what I mean by that is you're putting in more than you're taking out and that's expected from everyone in this group, not just the senior players. We'll try and get around those young guys who haven't had experience yet in these conditions and back them to the hilt, that's the main thing is, (for) them to know they've got the backing of their teammates to go out and express themselves and have a great time."