India’s first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 could turn into a landmark evening for Virat Kohli, as the former captain stands on the verge of breaking yet another long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The opening match of the three-ODI series will be played at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, and all eyes will be firmly fixed on Kohli’s bat.
Kohli Back in Action as India Take on New Zealand
The India vs New Zealand ODI series gets underway on January 11, with the first match scheduled at the Kotambi-based BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Senior players including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return to action, giving the series a high-profile start.
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For Indian fans, the focus will be on Kohli, who has been in strong touch in recent months and looks primed to carry that momentum into the new year.
Red-Hot Form Heading into the Series
Kohli ended last year on a high, producing consistent performances across formats. In the ODI series against South Africa, he struck two centuries and followed it up with impactful knocks in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, including scores of 131 and 77. The right-hander will be keen to continue that rhythm against a New Zealand side known for its disciplined bowling attack.
Tendulkar’s New Zealand ODI Record Under Threat
The first ODI itself could see Kohli rewrite history. He is just 94 runs away from becoming India’s highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODI cricket.
So far, Kohli has amassed 1,657 runs in 33 ODI innings against New Zealand at an impressive average of 55.23, including six centuries and nine half-centuries. Tendulkar currently tops the list with 1,750 runs from 41 innings, scored at an average of 46.05.
Most ODI runs by an Indian vs New Zealand
- Sachin Tendulkar – 1,750 runs
- Virat Kohli – 1,657 runs
- Virender Sehwag – 1,157 runs
- Mohammad Azharuddin – 1,118 runs
- Sourav Ganguly – 1,079 runs
A fluent knock in Vadodara would be enough for Kohli to move past his childhood idol yet again.
Bigger Milestones Also in Sight
Beyond the New Zealand-specific record, Kohli has a couple of massive international milestones within touching distance. He is just 25 runs away from completing 28,000 international runs. Another 42 runs will see him surpass Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket across formats.
Kohli currently has 27,975 international runs from 556 matches, with 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries to his name.
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Most international runs (all formats)
- Sachin Tendulkar – 34,357
- Kumar Sangakkara – 28,016
- Virat Kohli – 27,975
- Ricky Ponting – 27,483
- Sanath Jayasuriya – 25,957
A Big Night Awaits in Vadodara
With form on his side and records within reach, the stage is perfectly set for Kohli to add another chapter to his already glittering career. As India and New Zealand lock horns in the series opener, the BCA Stadium could witness a moment that fans will remember for years.
