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Virat Kohli’s ODI Record in New Zealand: The Numbers Behind the Run Machine
Virat Kohli is back in the spotlight as India prepare for a five-match ODI series against New Zealand. With the 2027 World Cup less than a year away, this could be his last ODI series on Kiwi soil. Here is how the run machine has fared on those tricky pitches.
Kohli Eyes a Statement Series in New Zealand
India are set to take on New Zealand in a five-match ODI series, and all eyes will be on Kohli. The star batter will perhaps play his last-ever ODI series in New Zealand.
The timing adds extra spice. With the 2027 World Cup less than a year away, these games offer a great chance for him to fine-tune his game.
His last away ODI series against the Kiwis was not his best, as he struggled for runs. The former India captain will be keen to silence his critics as India look to seal the ODI series after the T20Is.
Ahead of these fixtures, here is a closer look at how Kohli has fared against New Zealand and on tough Kiwi wickets.
Virat Kohli’s Overall ODI Record vs New Zealand
Kohli loves facing the Kiwis, and the numbers tell the story. He has played 36 ODIs against them and piled up 1,897 runs at an average of 57.48.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 36 |
| Runs | 1,897 |
| Average | 57.48 |
| Strike Rate | 96.63 |
| Hundreds | 7 |
| Fifties | 10 |
A strike rate of 96.63 shows he does not just anchor the innings against this attack. He dominates it.
The Last Series Was a Kohli Show
In the most recent series between the two teams, Kohli scored 240 runs in three matches. He was India’s best batter, and that form will give him plenty of confidence heading into this contest.
Virat Kohli’s ODI Record in New Zealand
Playing in New Zealand is a different challenge, and the numbers dip slightly. Kohli has featured in 13 ODIs there and made 596 runs at an average of 49.66.
| Stat (in New Zealand) | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 13 |
| Runs | 596 |
| Average | 49.66 |
| Strike Rate | 91 |
| Hundreds | 1 |
| Fifty-plus scores (besides the hundred) | 4 |
He strikes at 91 and has just one hundred on New Zealand shores, along with four quality fifty-plus scores. Consistent, yes. But there is still room for a big one.
A Hundred Still Missing in the Collection
Seven hundreds against the Kiwis overall, but only one of them has come in New Zealand. A second Kiwi-soil century would be a fitting way to bow out of ODI cricket there.
How Kohli Ranks Among Indian Batters in New Zealand
Kohli has the third-most ODI runs by an Indian batter in New Zealand. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are ahead of him.
| Batter | Runs in NZ (ODIs) | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 821 | – |
| Virender Sehwag | 598 | 12 |
| Virat Kohli | 596 | 13 |
Here is the intriguing part. Sehwag scored his 598 runs in just 12 matches, and Kohli trails him by only two runs. One decent knock could push Kohli into second place.
Chasing the Master
Tendulkar’s 821 runs are further away, but with five matches on the schedule, Kohli has a real opportunity. He needs 226 more runs to draw level with the Master Blaster, which is a tall but not impossible task over a full series.
What to Expect From Kohli This Time
The pressure is on, but that has rarely bothered Kohli. The mix of tricky conditions, a long series and a potential farewell makes this a high-stakes tour for him.
His record against the Kiwis suggests he has the tools to deliver. If he can convert starts into big scores, the numbers in New Zealand could look a lot better by the end of the series.
For India, a form Kohli is a massive boost as they build towards the 2027 World Cup. For fans, it could be one last chance to watch him chase down a target on Kiwi soil.
