Batting juggernaut Virat Kohli touched down in Vadodara on January 7, sparking scenes of pure fan frenzy ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The atmosphere at the airport turned electric the moment the former India captain stepped into public view. A massive wave of supporters quickly swarmed the star batter, chanting his name and surging forward in hopes of securing a selfie or a video. The overwhelming response created a chaotic environment, forcing security personnel to scramble and tighten their cordon to ensure Kohli could navigate through the dense crowd toward his waiting vehicle.
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Absolute chaos as Virat Kohli is mobbed by fans in Vadodara
These frantic scenes serve as a powerful reminder of Kohli’s enduring status as a sporting titan in India. Despite over a decade in the international spotlight, his ability to draw massive, passionate crowds remains undiminished. Even in a city like Vadodara, which has seen many legends, the sheer scale of the reception underscored that the "Kohli brand" remains one of the most potent forces in global sports.
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As he enters the 2026 international season, Kohli has streamlined his career to focus exclusively on the ODI format. Following his retirement from T20Is and his more recent departure from Test cricket in May 2025, the legendary batter is channelling all his energy into 50-over cricket with a clear eye on the 2027 World Cup. He arrives in Vadodara looking to maintain the extraordinary momentum he built late last year, particularly in home conditions where he remains a dominant force.
The opening match against New Zealand carries a sense of nostalgia for Kohli, marking his return to a venue where he last competed over 15 years ago. His previous ODI outing in Vadodara back in 2010 was a memorable one; playing against the same opposition, he anchored a successful chase with an unbeaten 105—a knock that remains a highlight of his early rise in international cricket.
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Kohli’s current form suggests he hasn't missed a beat. He was the standout performer in India’s recent series against South Africa, where he amassing a staggering 302 runs across three innings to earn the Player of the Series award. This clinical form extended into the domestic circuit as well; representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy just last month, he smashed scores of 131 and 77, proving that his hunger for big runs is as sharp as ever.
Virat Kohli's robust track record against New Zealand
Kohli enters the series with an imposing track record against New Zealand, having historically dominated their bowling attack. Across 33 ODI encounters with the Black Caps, he has amassed 1,657 runs at a stellar average of 55.23. His ability to maintain a brisk strike rate of 95.50 while notched nine half-centuries and six centuries underscores his role as a perennial threat to the visitors.
India's confidence is further bolstered by a reinforced batting lineup. While Kohli remains in peak form, the team welcomes back captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, both of whom missed the recent South African tour due to injury. Their return provides a significant boost to the top order, ensuring that India heads into the series with its most potent and experienced roster. As the backbone of the Indian batting unit for over a decade, Kohli’s career statistics remain staggering. With 14,557 runs in 308 ODIs, he maintains an extraordinary average of 58.46 and a strike rate of 93.65. His tally of 53 centuries and 76 fifties cements his status as one of the most reliable and prolific performers in the history of the 50-over format.