IND vs NZ: 13 BIG milestones that Virat Kohli could achieve in New Zealand ODIs

Virat Kohli will play three-match ODI series against New Zealand on the back of a sensational Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26.

Fans recently caught a glimpse of a determined Virat Kohli back on the domestic circuit. He put in the hard yards to get ready for the upcoming One-Day Internationals for India. He suited up for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 last month and showed everyone he’s still got it.

The Indian superstar smashed a century against Andhra and followed it up with a quick 77 against Gujarat. Those innings pretty much put an end to any talk about him losing his touch.

Now, the Indian team is heading to Vadodara to take on New Zealand this Sunday, January 11. Kohli isn’t just playing to win; he is about to rewrite the record books. He is incredibly close to hitting 13 massive career milestones.

A Few Upcoming Milestones for Virat Kohli in IND vs NZ ODIs

1. Dominance in victory

Kohli really steps up when a win is on the line. He only needs 10 more runs in winning causes to move past every other Indian player. This would give Virat Kohli the record for the most ODI runs for India in Wins against New Zealand. A stat like that proves he is the guy who stays there until the job is done.

2. The race to 28,000

The biggest goal on his radar is his total international run count. The batter needs just 25 runs over his next 20 innings to become the fastest to reach 28,000 International runs. Hitting that number so fast shows a level of consistency that almost no one else in cricket history has reached.

3. Chasing Kumar Sangakkara

Kohli is currently hot on the heels of a Sri Lankan legend. He needs 42 runs to move past Kumar Sangakkara. That would make the 37-year-old the 2nd Leading Run-scorer in International Cricket.’Once he crosses that mark, only Sachin Tendulkar will be left ahead of him.

4. The 3000-Run Asian Club

The New Zealand bowlers usually give Asian batters a hard time, but Kohli always seems to have a plan. He needs 73 runs to become the 2nd Asian to complete 3000 International runs against New Zealand. This total shows how well he handles the Kiwis across every format of the game.

5. Overtaking Sachin Tendulkar against the Black Caps

Sachin Tendulkar was India’s main man against New Zealand for years, but his successor is ready to take over. Kohli needs 94 runs to become the Leading Run-scorer against New Zealand in the ODI format for India. Passing Sachin here feels like a real passing of the torch moment.

6. A Giant in winning causes

At the end of the day, winning is what matters. Kohli needs 128 runs in winning matches to reach a global landmark. He would move into the spot for the 2nd Most ODI Runs in Winning matches worldwide. This stat matters because it separates helpful knocks from runs that don’t change the result.

7. The King of Number 3

Batting at three is all about balancing grit with aggression. Kohli has owned this spot for a long time. He needs 227 runs to become the Leading Run-scorer at No.3 in the ODI format. This record would effectively settle the debate over who the greatest number three in ODI history has ever been.

8. The Ultimate Kiwi Conqueror

While the other record was just for Indians, this one is for everyone. Kohli needs 314 runs to become the Leading Run-scorer against New Zealand in the ODI format overall. This would mean he has done more damage to the New Zealand attack than any other player in history.

9. Home soil supremacy

There is always pressure playing at home, but Kohli makes it look easy. He needs 350 runs to become the Leading Run-scorer at Home in the ODI format. This would confirm his status as the most dangerous batter to ever play on home turf.

10. Century count against NZ:

Hundreds usually decide who wins the game. Kohli needs just one more century to claim the Most Centuries against New Zealand in International cricket. One big score and the 37-year-old will sit alone at the top of that list.

11. Conquering different grounds

A great player scores runs everywhere. Kohli needs a single ton to hold the record for Most ODI Centuries in Different Venues. It shows he can handle any pitch or weather condition the world throws at him.

12. The century of the Fifties at No.3

His consistency in scoring half-centuries is equally remarkable. He needs one more 50+ score to hit 100 50+ Scores at No.3 in International cricket. Doing that at one single position is a massive sign of how reliable Kohli has been.

13. Contributing to team success:

His big scores usually mean a happy locker room. Kohli needs two 50+ scores in wins to take the record for the Most ODI 50+ Scores in Winning matches for India. This milestone really sums up how Kohli has been the heart of the Indian batting order for years.

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