In preparation for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Virat Kohli hit the nets in Vadodara on Thursday.
Kohli started preparing as soon as he arrived in Vadodara, which will host a men’s ODI for the first time on Sunday. When Kohli arrived at the airport on Wednesday, he was mobbed by fans.
The batting stalwart last represented India in an ODI series at home against South Africa just over a month ago. He made an appearance in domestic cricket during the interim, playing two games for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the last week of December, he scored a calm 77 against Gujarat and a fluid 131 against Andhra.
During this run, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record and became the fastest player to reach the 16,000-run mark in List A cricket.
In the three-match series against South Africa, the 37-year-old had an incredible run with the bat. He finished as the series’ top run scorer with 302 runs in three games, including knocks of 135, 102, and 65 not out.
He had a rare slump earlier in October during the ODI series in Australia after being dismissed for two consecutive ducks. However, he silenced his detractors with an incredible unbeaten 74 in the third match at Sydney.
On Sunday, January 11, the first ODI against the Kiwis will take place at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara. On January 14, the second game will take place in Rajkot, and on January 18, the third and final ODI will take place in Indore.
The ODI team, led by Shubman Gill, will include Rohit Sharma, who is making his first appearance since participating in Vijay Hazare Trophy matches during the final week of December.
