Whenever India face New Zealand in One Day Internationals, KL Rahul has often delivered under pressure. Whether batting in the middle order or finishing games, Rahul’s numbers against the Kiwis clearly show his growing maturity and importance in India’s ODI setup.
With the India–New Zealand ODI series recently concluding, Rahul’s form — including his latest outing in Indore on 18 January 2026 — once again became a major talking point.
KL Rahul’s Overall ODI Record vs New Zealand
Across multiple tours, venues and batting positions, Rahul has built an impressive and impactful record against New Zealand.
Overall Performance Snapshot (Updated)
| Category | Updated Record |
|---|---|
| Innings Played | 11 |
| Total Runs | 470 |
| Batting Average | 78.33 |
| Strike Rate | 107+ |
| Not Outs | 5 |
| Centuries | 2 |
| Fifties / Key Scores | Multiple match-impact knocks |
Despite a rare low score in Indore, Rahul’s average remains extremely strong, showcasing his consistency and finishing ability.
Read Also: India vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head Records, Stats
Evolution of Rahul’s Batting Against New Zealand
Early Phase
Rahul’s early encounters against New Zealand were modest, but he quickly adapted, responding with an unbeaten 88 that showcased his temperament and ability to rebuild innings.
Middle Phase: Big Breakthrough
His first major breakthrough came with a 112-run innings, where he displayed:
- Shot selection under pressure
- Ability to bat deep into the innings
- Control against both pace and spin
This knock solidified Rahul as a dependable middle-order batter in ODIs.
Recent Performances: Peak Form
Across the last few seasons, Rahul has produced impactful innings against New Zealand, including a century and multiple finishing contributions. Even though his latest match in Indore was a rare failure, his overall trajectory remains upward.
Latest Highlights
- 112 off 92 balls* – match-defining century
- 29* and 34 – composed finishing knocks
- 39 off 20 balls – explosive cameo under pressure
These performances highlight Rahul’s versatility and match-awareness.
Latest Form Check: KL Rahul’s Last 5 ODI Performances vs New Zealand
Here’s an updated snapshot of KL Rahul’s last five ODI innings vs New Zealand, including his most recent match on 18 January 2026.
KL Rahul – Last 5 ODI Innings vs New Zealand (Updated)
| Match Date | Venue | Batting Position | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jan 2026 | Indore | No. 5 | 1 | 6 | 16.67 | Caught |
| 14 Jan 2026 | Rajkot | No. 5 | 112 | 92 | 121.74 | Not out |
| 11 Jan 2026 | Vadodara | No. 6 | 29 | 21 | 138.10 | Not out |
| 09 Mar 2025 | Dubai | No. 6 | 34* | 33 | 103.03 | Not out |
| 02 Mar 2025 | Dubai | No. 6 | 23 | 29 | 79.31 | Caught |
Batting Position Flexibility
One of Rahul’s greatest strengths is his adaptability across positions.
| Batting Position | Impact |
|---|---|
| No. 5 | Anchor + aggressor |
| No. 6 | Finisher under pressure |
| Opening (earlier career) | Provided stability |
Regardless of his slot, Rahul has consistently delivered key contributions against New Zealand.
Strike Rate & Match Impact
Rahul’s strike rate against New Zealand has improved significantly over time.
- Early phase: Controlled approach
- Recent phase: Strike rate above 110
- Finishing role: Fast acceleration without risk
This balance between aggression and composure makes him a vital ODI asset.
Read Also: India Cricket Schedule 2026-2027
Why New Zealand Bowlers Struggle Against Rahul
Several factors work in Rahul’s favour when facing New Zealand:
- Strong technique against swing and seam
- Calm approach in pressure situations
- Excellent ability to rotate strike
- Clean boundary-hitting at the death
These qualities have helped him succeed in both home and overseas conditions.
Even in the latest series, Rahul’s century in Rajkot and finishing knock in Vadodara played crucial roles in keeping India competitive, despite a rare failure in the Indore decider.
His presence in the middle order continues to add stability and balance to India’s ODI lineup.
Conclusion
KL Rahul’s ODI record against New Zealand is a strong blend of consistency, adaptability and match-winning temperament. Even after the latest series, he continues to average above 78 with a strike rate over 107 — an exceptional return against a top-tier opponent.
As India prepare for future ODI challenges, Rahul’s ability to finish games and play under pressure will remain a defining factor.
