India captain Virat Kohli will miss the last two matches of his team's five-match one-day international series against the Blackcaps and all three matches of its Twenty20 series due to rest requirements.
Kohli scored 45 from 59 balls in India's eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Napier in the opening ODI meaning he'll only feature in two more games before returning home.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced they've decided to give the 30-year-old some much-needed respite after a busy three month period which saw them play test, ODI and T20 series against the West Indies and Australia before arriving in New Zealand.
After the Blackcaps series, they return home for two Twenty20s and five ODIs against Australia from February 25.
"Considering his workload in the last few months, the team management and senior selection committee is of the view that it would be ideal for him to get added rest ahead of the home series against Australia," a BCCI statement said.
Rohit Sharma will captain India for the final two ODI matches in Hamilton and Wellington as well as the T20 series.
Blackcaps bowler Lockie Ferguson, who dismissed Kohli in on Wednesday, said it's sad to see Kholi leave early, but he understands the reasoning behind the decision.
"It is disappointing we won't get to play him as much we can, but you can understand where they're coming from," he said.
"We play so many international games now and a player of his calibre playing all three formats, you can understand. Some of our players play all three formats and get rested.
"This is a big year for the international sides, and I guess they see this as a good chance to get some rest and spend time with his family which is important."
The second ODI between New Zealand and India takes place in Mt Maunganui on Saturday.
Newshub.
Join us at 3pm Saturday for live updates of the second Blackcaps vs India ODI in Mt Maunganui.
