While the Indian cricket team continues its impressive run in the T20I series against New Zealand, batting stalwart Virat Kohli is diligently preparing for the subsequent One Day International leg of the tour.
The 37-year-old was spotted honing his skills at the Cricket Club of India’s (CCI) Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, dedicating nearly two hours to net practice.
Virat Kohli’s Practice Video
Kohli, who will turn 38 on November 5, 2026, looked in excellent touch, facing a mix of pacers and spinners on a red-soil pitch. His practice session reportedly included impressive drives through the covers and assured defensive shots, along with dancing down the track to take on the spinners. This rigorous preparation underscores his commitment to the upcoming ODI challenge, which is scheduled to commence on November 4, 2026, in Auckland.
India’s Strong Start to New Zealand Tour
Meanwhile, the Indian squad currently in New Zealand has already stamped its authority in the five-match T20 International series. Today, October 24, 2026, saw India register a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Black Caps in the 2nd T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand posted a competitive 180/5, with Glenn Phillips scoring 70 runs off 43 balls and Bevon Jacobs making 58 runs off 46 deliveries. A resilient unbeaten fifty from Tilak Varma (51 runs off 26 balls) guided India to the target with a ball to spare after they were struggling at 70/5 at one stage.
The tour comprises five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests, promising a packed schedule for both nations. India has historically held an edge in T20Is against New Zealand, now leading the head-to-head record with 19 wins out of 33 matches, compared to New Zealand’s 11 victories and three ties. India also famously defeated New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. 2026: Shubman Gill to Captain; Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant Included.
Full Series Schedule
Here is a detailed look at the remaining fixtures for the India tour of New Zealand 2026:
T20I Series (All times NZDT)
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (NZDT) | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Oct 22, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Oct 24, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Oct 27, 2026 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| 4th T20I | Oct 30, 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| 5th T20I | Nov 1, 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 8:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
ODI Series (All times NZDT)
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (NZDT) | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Nov 4, 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM |
| 2nd ODI | Nov 7, 2026 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM |
| 3rd ODI | Nov 10, 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM |
| 4th ODI | Nov 13, 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM |
| 5th ODI | Nov 15, 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM |
Test Series (All times NZDT)
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (NZDT) | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 19-23, 2026 | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 11:00 AM | 3:30 AM |
| 2nd Test | Nov 27-Dec 1, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 11:00 AM | 3:30 AM |
With the T20I series providing a high-octane start, attention will soon turn to the ODI format, where Virat Kohli’s inclusion is set to bolster the Indian batting lineup, promising an enthralling contest against a competitive New Zealand side.