Team India star Virat Kohli was seen in a jovial mood during the side’s training session ahead of the ODI series opener against New Zealand. In a video circulated on social media, the ace batter was spotted having fun with all-rounder Axar Patel.
The incident took place in the nets, where Kohli was padded up for batting practice. The clip showed the former captain and Axar sharing a laugh during a conversation.
Watch the video here:
The first ODI of the five-match series between India and New Zealand will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The Men in Blue earlier secured a 3-2 T20I series victory over the hosts.
Kohli has shown stunning form in 2026. The seasoned campaigner has amassed 552 runs, including two hundreds and three half-centuries, across nine innings at an average of 69 this year.
“The chances are slightly higher” – Cheteshwar Pujara backs Virat Kohli to hit a century in NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs
Cheteshwar Pujara recently discussed the chances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli slamming centuries on the New Zealand tour. He remarked that Kohli has a higher chance because he bats at No. 3 and plays the anchor’s role.
The former India batter said on Star Sports (via India Today):
“The way Rohit bats, he has a role of providing good starts in the powerplay. In New Zealand, maybe that role changes, so he could go for a century. But for Virat, the chances are slightly higher because he bats at number three. His game is more about playing the anchor role.
“For a batsman coming in at number three, scoring a century in the ODI format becomes a bit easier. The opener’s role is also defined, but in New Zealand conditions, that changes a bit. So, I feel Virat has more chances of scoring a hundred in New Zealand than Rohit.”
Virat Kohli has an ODI average of 49.66 in New Zealand, having chalked up 596 runs in 13 innings, with one century and four half-centuries.
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Edited by Aditya Suketu Desai
