India’s star batsman Virat Kohli was welcomed with huge enthusiasm when he reached Vadodara on Wednesday, January 7, ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. A huge crowd gathered at the airport, causing chaos as fans rushed to get a glimpse of the former Team India captain.
Kohli celebrated New Year with family and close friends in Dubai, pictures from the holiday went viral on social media platforms. The Delhi-born batsman then returned to India and was seen arriving in Mumbai early in the day, focusing on cricket duties ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Virat Kohli was surrounded by fans when he reached Vadodara.
Virat Kohli once again showed his tremendous fan following by reaching Vadodara before the ODI series against New Zealand. As soon as Kohli came out of the airport, a huge crowd gathered around him. Fans shouted his name and moved forward to catch a glimpse of the star batsman.
As the situation soon turned chaotic, security personnel tightened the arrangements. Many fans tried to take selfies and record videos, making it difficult for Kohli to move towards his vehicle.
The airport scenes highlighted Kohli’s popularity across the country. Even after many years at the top level, his presence continues to generate excitement and passion among fans wherever he goes.
Absolute madness in Vadodara!#ViratKohli Fans surrounded him as soon as he came out of the airport.
He is ready to participate #INDvsNZ ODI series.pic.twitter.com/TFHT5G39Bm
– India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) 7 January 2026
Virat Kohli will start 2026 with ODI series against New Zealand
Virat Kohli is set to begin his 2026 international season with an ODI series against New Zealand, a format he has focused solely on after moving away from T20Is and Tests. He will be looking to continue the strong form he has shown towards the end of 2025, especially in home conditions.
The inaugural match to be held in Vadodara has special significance for Kohli. He last played an ODI at this venue in 2010 against New Zealand, when he scored an unbeaten 63 in a successful run chase with Gautam Gambhir.
Kohli recently scored 131 and 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and before that had a brilliant performance against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs in three innings including two centuries to win the Player of the Series award.
Virat Kohli has six ODI centuries against New Zealand
Kohli will enter the ODI series against New Zealand with a strong record against opponents. In 33 ODIs against the Black Caps, he has scored 1,657 runs at an average of 55.23 and a strike rate of 95.50, including nine half-centuries and six centuries.
Kohli’s recent form has further increased India’s confidence before the series. The team has also been given additional strength by the return of captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who missed the last ODI series against South Africa due to injury.
Overall, Kohli remains one of India’s most reliable performers in this format. He has scored 14,557 runs in 308 ODIs at an average of 58.46 and a strike rate of 93.65 with 76 half-centuries and 53 centuries.
Also read: Michael Bracewell challenges Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to play 2027 World Cup