# India cricket tour of New Zealand

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261030-india-cricket-tour-of-new-zealand
> Updated: 2026-11-04T09:52:40.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

Indian batter Virat Kohli has begun preparations for an upcoming five-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand. Training initially took place at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, where Kohli focused on batting practice ahead of the series scheduled to start on November 4. During these sessions, Kohli indicated that the 2027 50-over World Cup may serve as his final appearance for India.

By late October, Kohli arrived at Auckland Airport to a large crowd of supporters. The tour includes matches in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui.

On November 4, the first ODI commenced at Eden Park in Auckland. During the match, Kohli drew attention for several on-field celebrations, including a “You Can’t See Me” gesture toward New Zealand batters Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips while the theme music of WWE superstar John Cena played over the stadium speakers. Following a one-handed diving catch to dismiss Nathan Smith, Kohli performed a bow and arrow celebration, which prompted social media discussion regarding potential references to the Ramayana.

India secured a five-wicket victory in the opening match, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite repeated rain delays, which necessitated a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target of 143 runs in 32 overs, India chased the total with 56 balls remaining. Kohli led the chase with 74 runs from 51 balls, setting several milestones: he became the first batter to score 13,000 ODI runs while batting at number three and surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most runs in ODI run-chases. 

Earlier, the Indian bowling attack restricted New Zealand to 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh took four wickets, Gurnoor Brar took three, and Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his figures of 2 for 22.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Virat Kohli performs various celebrations during India vs New Zealand ODI

Virat Kohli made headlines during the first India vs New Zealand ODI in Auckland with various celebrations, including a John Cena gesture and a bow and arrow move following a notable catch.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virat-kohli-performs-various-celebrations-during-india-vs-new-zealand-odi

### 2026-11-04: India defeats New Zealand in Auckland as Virat Kohli sets records

Virat Kohli scored 74 to lead India to a five-wicket win over New Zealand in a rain-affected ODI in Auckland, setting multiple historic cricket records during the match.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virat-kohli-reaches-13000-odi-runs-batting-at-number-3

### 2026-10-30: Virat Kohli receives enthusiastic welcome in Auckland

Indian batter Virat Kohli was met by large crowds of fans at Auckland Airport ahead of India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virat-kohli-receives-enthusiastic-welcome-in-auckland

### 2026-10-24: Virat Kohli begins preparations for ODI series against New Zealand

Virat Kohli is training in Mumbai at Brabourne Stadium to prepare for India's upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting November 4.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virat-kohli-begins-preparations-for-india-new-zealand-odi-series

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Cite as: India cricket tour of New Zealand. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261030-india-cricket-tour-of-new-zealand