Virat Kohli will get off the mark with a cultured boundary in NZ vs IND 2026 1st ODI [Watch]

Star India batter Virat Kohli got off the mark in style during the first ODI against New Zealand. The veteran is back in action as the Men in Blue face the Kiwis in a five-match series.

Shubman Gill and Co. bowled New Zealand out for 185 in just 40.2 overs. After Rohit Sharma was dismissed early in the chase, Virat Kohli walked in at number three in just the second over. However, he scored his first runs on the final ball of the third over off Kyle Jamieson.

It was a length delivery, and Kohli quickly got into position, picking it early and depositing it for a classy boundary to get off the mark. He flicked it with ease behind square to get underway. The Indian fans in the stands were happy and erupted in a loud cheer.

Watch the video of the same below –

Before the rain stopped play, Virat Kohli got to 29 off 27 balls with the help of five boundaries. He looked in sublime touch, playing the flick, the pull, an inside-out lofted shot, and his favorite cover drive.

India got to 54/1 in 10.5 overs before the players and umpires walked off the field. However, play will resume as the Men in Blue are set a revised target of 167 in 40 overs.

Meanwhile, Kohli also reached a massive milestone. He became the first batter to cross 13000 runs in ODIs while batting at number three. Over the years, he has established himself as the best batter, particularly at number three, in one-day cricket.

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli in New Zealand

Virat Kohli has a brilliant ODI record against New Zealand. Before the start of the ongoing game, he had scored 1897 runs against the Kiwis in 36 matches at an average of 57.48, with seven hundreds and ten fifties.

Moreover, Kohli has impressive numbers in New Zealand as well. Before heading into this game, he had scored 596 runs from 13 matches at an average of 49.66, with a hundred and four half-centuries.

Given his record and solid form with the bat in 2026, all eyes will be on Kohli in this New Zealand series. Across five games, the veteran batter will be expected to deliver consistently with the bat.

Edited by Rishab Vm