Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: The Kohli Chronicles: Three Iconic Test Innings Against the Kiwis

As Virat Kohli steps onto the field in Bengaluru for the first Test against New Zealand, fans will be eager to see if he can deliver another memorable knock

India is set to face New Zealand in a highly anticipated three-match Test series, starting at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 16. After a successful whitewash of Bangladesh in both Test and T20I series, India will aim to continue their dominance against the Kiwis and secure their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. With the Indian batting lineup in fine form, the focus now shifts to Virat Kohli, who is looking to regain his rhythm. Kohli, with 866 runs in 11 Tests against New Zealand, has some memorable performances that stand out.

  1. 103 at Hyderabad, 2012

Virat Kohli’s first hundred in India came in Hyderabad in 2012 against New Zealand. In the second Test of the series, Kohli scored a brilliant 103 runs, laying the foundation for India’s victory. It was a knock filled with class and patience, where he hit 14 boundaries and a six. Kohli followed this up with an unbeaten 51 in the second innings, securing the Player of the Match award. His consistent performance helped India wrap up the series, and he finished with 212 runs across three innings at an average of 106.

  1. 105* at Wellington, 2014

In a high-pressure situation in Wellington, 2014, Virat Kohli showcased his ability to rescue India. Chasing 435 in the final innings to win, India lost three quick wickets, putting the team on the back foot. Kohli came to the crease and stabilised the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. His unbeaten 105 ensured India didn’t suffer a loss, as he steered the team to a match-saving draw. Although the game ended in a stalemate, Kohli’s century stood out for its importance and the calmness he brought to the chase.

  1. 211 at Indore, 2016

Virat Kohli’s double-century in Indore during the 2016 series against New Zealand was a career-defining moment. Leading the team as captain, Kohli anchored India’s innings after a shaky start. He scored 211 off 366 deliveries, forming a formidable partnership with Ajinkya Rahane. Kohli’s knock helped India post a massive total and eventually win the match by 321 runs. With this knock, he became the first Indian captain to score two double centuries in Test cricket, underlining his leadership and skill.

Kohli’s battle to reclaim form

While Kohli’s three knocks against New Zealand are a testament to his brilliance, his current form in 2024 has raised some concerns. He has struggled to find consistency, managing only 395 runs in 16 matches across all formats this year. The upcoming series against New Zealand will be crucial for Kohli as he aims to silence his critics and regain his peak form ahead of India’s important tour of Australia later in the year.

India’s red-hot batting lineup

Despite Kohli’s dip in form, India’s batting unit has been firing on all cylinders in 2024. With young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill stepping up, alongside Rishabh Pant’s explosiveness, India’s lineup looks formidable. Captain Rohit Sharma has also been leading from the front, with two centuries in eight Tests this year. The team will be relying on this form to deliver a strong performance against the Kiwis.

The stakes in the New Zealand series

India enters this series with a lot on the line. Currently sitting at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table, a whitewash against New Zealand would almost guarantee their spot in the WTC final at Lord’s next year. This series is an opportunity for India to consolidate their position and continue their momentum as one of the top teams in Test cricket.