Few rivalries in modern cricket have been as statistically rich as Virat Kohli vs New Zealand in One Day Internationals. From his early days as a young No.3 batter to becoming India’s most dependable run-machine, Kohli’s numbers against the Kiwis tell a story of dominance, resilience and longevity.
With India recently facing New Zealand in another high-pressure ODI series — including the 3rd ODI on 18 January 2026 in Indore — Kohli’s record has once again become a major talking point.
Virat Kohli’s Overall ODI Record vs New Zealand
Kohli has faced New Zealand across different countries, conditions and phases of his career, yet his output has remained consistently elite.
Overall Performance (Updated)
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Innings Played | 36 |
| Total Runs | 1,897 |
| Batting Average | 56.96 |
| Strike Rate | 96+ |
| Centuries | 10 |
| Fifties | 8+ |
| Highest Score | 154 |
| Not Outs | Multiple |
With an average close to 57, Kohli remains one of the most dominant batters ever against New Zealand in ODI cricket.
Early Years: First Statement Knock
Kohli announced himself early against New Zealand with a brilliant 105-run innings in 2010. Batting at No.3, he showed:
- Strong technique against swing
- Ability to pace long innings
- Composure beyond his age
That century laid the roadmap for his long-term dominance.
Read Also: Virat Kohli Century List in All Formats
Prime Years: Peak Kohli vs New Zealand
Between 2014 and 2017, Kohli entered his golden phase, producing some of the finest ODI knocks of his career.
Key Highlights
- 123, 121, 113 and 154 — a series of iconic centuries
- Match-winning knocks in both home and away conditions
- Complete dominance over both pace and spin
His unbeaten 154* remains one of the greatest ODI innings ever played against New Zealand.
Captaincy Era Impact
Even during his captaincy tenure, Kohli’s performance did not drop — in fact, his ODI numbers were among the best in the world.
- Multiple centuries as captain
- Consistent batting at No.3
- Maintained an average above 70 during peak years
This period confirmed his status as India’s most reliable ODI run-scorer.
Recent Years: Experience Meets Control
In recent seasons, Kohli has refined his approach even further:
- More emphasis on rotating strike
- Selective aggression instead of all-out attack
- Taking responsibility to anchor innings
The result has been greater consistency even as bowlers plan more smartly for him.
Virat Kohli – Last 5 ODI Innings vs New Zealand (Updated)
Latest Form Table
| Match Date | Venue | Batting Position | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jan 2026 | Indore | No. 3 | 124 | 108 | 114.81 | Caught |
| 14 Jan 2026 | Rajkot | No. 3 | 23 | 29 | 79.31 | Bowled |
| 11 Jan 2026 | Vadodara | No. 3 | 93 | 91 | 102.20 | Caught |
| 09 Mar 2025 | Dubai | No. 3 | 1 | 2 | 50.00 | LBW |
| 02 Mar 2025 | Dubai | No. 3 | 11 | 14 | 78.57 | Caught |
What the Recent Numbers Show
1. Big-Match Ability Still Intact
- His 124 in Indore came in a high-pressure chase
- Kohli continues to deliver in crucial moments
2. Controlled Aggression
- Strike rate near 100 even in long innings
- Focuses on precision rather than power-hitting
3. Perfect Role at No.3
- Acts as the anchor
- Balances stability with scoring rate
See Also: India vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head Records, Stats
Why New Zealand Remains a Special Opponent for Kohli
Kohli’s success against New Zealand comes down to:
- Exceptional technique against swing
- Strong back-foot play
- Elite running between wickets
- Ability to outsmart bowlers early in the innings
These strengths make him consistently effective across various conditions.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s ODI record against New Zealand stands as a masterclass in consistency and adaptability. With nearly 1,900 runs, ten centuries, and an average close to 57, he remains India’s most reliable batter against the Kiwis.
As India continue their ODI battles, Kohli’s experience, hunger for runs, and match-winning ability ensure he remains central to the team’s success.
