India are set to face New Zealand in a five-match ODI series, with the first match scheduled for November 4. The Indian team last played an ODI series in New Zealand in 2020. After more than six years, India will once again travel to New Zealand for a bilateral ODI series.
Over the years, several Indian batters have scored big runs on New Zealand soil. Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli are among the players who have performed well in the country. But who has scored the most ODI runs in New Zealand? Here is a look at the top five Indian batters with the most ODI runs in New Zealand.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 821 Runs
Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of Indian batters with the most ODI runs in New Zealand. Between 1990 and 2009, the former Indian batter scored 821 runs in 22 innings.
He scored these runs at an average of 39. Sachin also hit one century and five half-centuries during his ODI career in New Zealand.
2. Virender Sehwag – 598 Runs
Virender Sehwag is second on the list despite playing only 12 ODI matches in New Zealand. The former opener scored 598 runs at an average of 54 and a strike rate of 103.
Sehwag also holds the record for scoring the most ODI centuries by an Indian batter in New Zealand. He hit three centuries during his time in the country.
3. Virat Kohli – 596 Runs
Among active Indian batters, Virat Kohli has been the most successful in New Zealand in ODIs. He has scored 596 runs in 13 matches.
Kohli made an impressive start to his ODI career in New Zealand. He scored 124 runs in his first match in the country in 2014. His performances have helped him become one of India’s most successful batters on New Zealand soil.
4. MS Dhoni – 590 Runs
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni is fourth on the list with 590 ODI runs in New Zealand. He scored these runs in 12 innings across 15 matches.
Although Dhoni never scored an ODI century in New Zealand, he hit six half-centuries. He holds the record for the most ODI half-centuries by an Indian batter in the country.
5. Mohammad Azharuddin – 517 Runs
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin completes the top five. Between 1990 and 1999, he played 19 ODIs in New Zealand and scored 517 runs at an average of 28.72.
His record includes one century and three half-centuries. Azharuddin was an important part of the Indian batting line-up during his time and also made useful contributions on New Zealand soil.
Can Virat Kohli Move Ahead of Virender Sehwag?
Virat Kohli is just two runs behind Virender Sehwag on the list of Indian batters with the most ODI runs in New Zealand.
With the five-match ODI series coming up, Kohli will have a chance to move past Sehwag and take second place on the list.
He will also look to add to his impressive record in New Zealand as India prepare for another ODI series against the Black Caps.