Virat Kohli will have a major milestone in sight when India begin their five-match ODI series against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4. The former India captain is closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs by an Indian batter in ODIs played in New Zealand.
Kohli has scored 514 runs in 11 ODIs on New Zealand soil, placing him third on the list. He needs another 139 runs to move past Tendulkar, who leads the standings with 652 runs in 18 matches. Tendulkar’s tally includes one century and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 163 not out.
Virender Sehwag occupies the second position with 598 runs in 12 matches. He scored three centuries and two half-centuries, with his highest score being 125 not out.
Kohli has registered one century and four half-centuries in New Zealand, with a highest score of 123. MS Dhoni is fourth with 505 runs in 13 matches, while Rahul Dravid completes the top five with 425 runs in 12 games.
The upcoming series gives Kohli an opportunity to climb to the top of the list, provided he can produce a substantial run-scoring campaign across the five matches.
Meanwhile, India captain Shubman Gill has confirmed the team’s top four for the series. Gill, Rohit Sharma, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer will form an all-right-handed top order, while the team will adopt a flexible approach for the No. 5 and No. 6 positions.
Gill said KL Rahul and Axar Patel would be considered according to the match situation, with Axar providing a left-handed option when required.
“We will have a floating approach for No. 5 and No. 6. Our top four is set, all right-handers. So if lefty is needed, Axar bhai goes and depending on match situation even KL bhai can go. So bit flexible,” Gill said at the pre-match press conference.
With Kohli approaching a significant record and India looking to settle their batting combinations, the series will offer plenty to follow when the teams meet in Auckland.
