Virat Kohli produced another moment of class during India’s run chase in the opening ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday, November 4. The former India captain delighted fans with a stunning cover drive against Blair Tickner, which was widely praised by the commentators as the ‘shot of the day’.
The elegant stroke came during the 10th over of India’s innings. Tickner bowled a short-of-a-length delivery outside off stump, but Kohli responded with a high elbow and excellent timing, sending the ball racing through the gap between mid-off and extra cover.
WATCH – Virat Kohli Recreates John Cena’s Iconic Gesture To Tease Glenn Phillips
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was particularly impressed, describing it as ‘the shot of this innings so far’. His fellow commentator also joined the praise, calling it the ‘shot of the day’.
Baarish se pehle Virat Kohli ne jo shots lagaye hain 🥶🔥 https://t.co/53ryhE3l7Q
— Ƥʀɪʏᴀɴsʜᴜ (@Hey_ImPriyanshu) November 4, 2026
This classic shot by Virat Kohli!!!!! 🔥 https://t.co/bFXDvYAQXC
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) November 4, 2026
The timing of the boundary was important as India were looking to settle into their chase of 186. New Zealand had been bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Rohit Sharma departed early for a six-ball innings after being caught by Mitchell Santner off Kyle Jamieson’s bowling.
When rain interrupted play for the second time, India were 64/1 after 12 overs. Kohli was unbeaten on 29 off 27 deliveries, including five boundaries, while captain Shubman Gill had scored 27 from 39 balls.
ALSO READ: Suresh Raina Expresses Desire To Join CSK Coaching Staff Ahead Of IPL 2027
Kohli entered the match with an impressive record in New Zealand, having scored 596 runs in 13 innings at an average of 49.66. His tally included one century and four half-centuries, with his highest score being 123 against the hosts in Napier in January 2014.
He also needed just four runs to complete 600 ODI runs in New Zealand and crossed the milestone during the chase. Additionally, Kohli became the first batter to score 13,000 ODI runs while batting at No. 3. Across all formats, he had accumulated 1,897 runs against New Zealand in 36 matches at an average of 57.48, including seven centuries.
