[Watch] Virat Kohli greets waiting fans in batting gear during practice session ahead of 4th ODI

Virat Kohli paused his batting practice at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Thursday, November 12, to walk across and greet supporters who had gathered at the ground ahead of the 4th ODI between India and New Zealand. Kohli was still in his full batting gear, pads included, when he made his way towards the waiting fans.

Kohli’s record against New Zealand in ODIs

A video of the moment was shared on social media and drew wide attention. In the clip, Kohli signed jerseys and other memorabilia for the supporters, several of whom had arrived at the venue specifically hoping to see members of the Indian squad during the training session.

The practice session itself had an additional cultural element. The Indian squad, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, watched a traditional Māori Haka performance at the ground during the session.

The 4th ODI is scheduled as a Day/Night fixture at Bay Oval on Friday, November 13, 2026, with the start time set at 7:30 AM IST and 3:00 PM local time. It is the penultimate match of a five-match ODI series between the two sides. The 3rd ODI of the series was washed out due to rain, meaning the series result remains open heading into the final two games.

Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma are confirmed in India’s squad for the 4th and 5th ODIs. Shreyas Iyer is captaining the side for these two matches after Shubman Gill begins preparing for the Tests ahead. The 5th and final ODI is also scheduled at Bay Oval on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Kohli carries a strong record against New Zealand in ODIs. He has accumulated 1,978 runs across 38 innings against the Black Caps at an average of 56.51, including 7 centuries and 11 fifties. In ODIs played on New Zealand soil specifically, he has scored 596 runs across 13 matches at an average of 49, with 1 century and 4 fifties. He is also the leading run-scorer in the ongoing ODI series on this tour.

Following the conclusion of the five-match ODI series, India and New Zealand are scheduled to contest a two-match Test series beginning November 19, 2026, at Basin Reserve, Wellington.