Ahead of the upcoming India vs. New Zealand ODI series, all eyes are on star batter Virat Kohli. The excitement surrounding the series is particularly high because both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are participating, following their retirement from the T20 format.
Reflecting this anticipation, tickets for the opening ODI reportedly sold out within just eight minutes of going online. The first match of the series will be held at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara.
Virat Kohli’s record against New Zealand
In 33 matches against the Black Caps, Kohli has amassed 1,657 runs at an impressive average of 55.23. His record includes six centuries and nine half-centuries, showcasing his consistent ability to dominate their bowling attack.
According to ESPNcricinfo, only Australia’s Ricky Ponting (1,971) and “Master blaster” Sachin Tendulkar (1,750) have scored more ODI runs against New Zealand. Kohli needs just 94 runs to surpass Tendulkar and become India’s leading run-scorer against New Zealand in the ODI format.
Dominance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Kohli entered the domestic series with his stellar performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the Delhi vs. Andhra Pradesh clash on December 24, he scored 131 runs off 101 balls, guiding Delhi past Andhra’s target of 298 in just 37.4 overs.
On December 26, against Gujarat, Kohli smashed 77 runs off 61 balls (reaching his fifty in just 29 deliveries), helping Delhi defend a total of 254/9 to win by 7 runs. However, He did not play the subsequent match against Railways due to his participation in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand to be played from January 11.
India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026 full schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (GMT) |
| Sun, Jan 11 | 1st ODI | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Wed, Jan 14 | 2nd ODI | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 3rd ODI | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM |