IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli set to break Sachin Tendulkar’s ultimate record against Kiwis – Here’s all you need to know

Virat Kohli stats against NZ: As the Indian team is gearing up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand which will be starting on January 11 is already the subject of much discussion and what is more, the focus is once again on Virat Kohli. The “King” is going into 2026 with a strong desire to prove his worth after a classic 2025 in which he finished as the top ODI run-scorer in India and the second best overall in the world. 

Good as always, New Zealand is a tough opponent, but the past has shown that when Kohli is at the crease, they have a good reason to be concerned. At 37, he is not only playing; he is also chasing milestones that would make others dizzy.

Virat Kohli’s stats against New Zealand

A Run Machine in Overdrive: Across 33 ODI matches against New Zealand, Kohli has racked up 1,657 runs. That’s not just a stat; it’s a statement.

The “Average” Greatness: He boasts a staggering average of 55.23 against them. To put it simply, he rarely fails to make a dent in their bowling attack.

Century King: He’s already notched up 6 hundreds and 9 fifties against the Kiwis. His personal best was when he clinical 154 runs which still gives their bowlers nightmares.

The 2025 “Warm-up”: Last year, he was in a league of his own, smashing 651 runs at an average of 65.10 across just 13 innings. He’s carrying that momentum right into this series.

Following the Little Master: Kohli has a mere 94 runs to go before he can seize Sachin Tendulkar’s first position in terms of the maximum ODI runs ever made in matches between India and New Zealand, that is, 94 more runs to overtake him.

A new record of fastest international player getting 28,000 runs: He needs only 25 runs to break the record of being the fastest player ever to score 28,000 international runs.

Advancing up the All-Time Rankings: He will be placed at the second spot in the list of all-time international cricket leading run-scorers if he gets 42 runs in this series.