Veteran Indian batsman Virat Kohli is gearing up to showcase his exceptional batting skills once again as he prepares to join the Indian squad for the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand. The series is slated to commence on January 11, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating another power-packed performance from Kohli, especially given his current formidable form, while the expectations have naturally soared after his recent outings.
Virat Kohli's Impressive ODI Record Against New Zealand
Virat Kohli has consistently delivered outstanding performances against New Zealand in the ODI format. His record against the Black Caps is particularly noteworthy, having played a total of 38 ODI matches and batting in all 38 innings. In these encounters, he has amassed an impressive 1657 runs at a remarkable average of 55. 23. These figures not only underscore his consistency but also highlight his ability to dominate the New Zealand bowling attack, while his tally of runs includes 6 magnificent centuries and 9 half-centuries, demonstrating his knack for converting starts into substantial scores. Kohli's highest score against New Zealand stands at an unbeaten 154 runs, a testament to his match-winning capabilities. As the upcoming series approaches, Virat will undoubtedly be looking to further enhance these statistics and play a pivotal role in securing victories for his team.
Virat Kohli is currently in a purple patch, displaying exceptional form across recent tournaments. In the ODI series against South Africa in December 2025, he was in sublime touch, scoring a total of 302 runs in three innings across three matches, which included two centuries. This performance underscored his ability to thrive under pressure on the big stage. In the final match of that series, he remained unbeaten with a score of 65 runs, further illustrating his consistent form, while following the South Africa series, Kohli also participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he continued to impress with his bat. He notched up a century against Andhra and followed it with a half-century, scoring 77 runs against Gujarat. All these recent performances provide a strong foundation for the upcoming New Zealand series, fueling high expectations from fans and critics alike.
Virat Kohli's Career Trajectory and Future Outlook
Virat Kohli has made the strategic decision to retire from Test and T20 International cricket, choosing to focus solely on the ODI format and the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision allows him to channel his energy and expertise. Primarily into ODI cricket, further solidifying his legacy in this format. The upcoming series against New Zealand presents another significant opportunity for him to maintain his excellent form and contribute crucial runs for Team India, while his presence in the middle order provides invaluable stability and experience to the team, which is a critical asset for any major tournament or series. His leadership qualities, even without the captaincy, continue to inspire his teammates.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Full Schedule
The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to commence on January 11. The first ODI will be played in Kotambi, Vadodara, setting the stage for an exciting contest. Following this, both teams will travel to Rajkot for the second ODI, which will be held at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on January 14, while this match could prove to be a crucial turning point in the series. The third and final ODI of the series is slated for January 18 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. After the conclusion of the ODI series, both teams will engage in a five-match T20 series, starting from January 21, while the squad for this T20 series has already been announced, promising more thrilling cricket action for fans.
