WATCH: Virat Kohli's arrival creates fan frenzy at Auckland airport ahead of NZ vs IND ODIs
(Courtesy : X)
Indian batting superstar receives a grand welcome from fans in New Zealand.
Veteran batter Virat Kohli received a massive welcome from Indian fans upon arriving at Auckland Airport on Friday, October 30, ahead of India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
The former Indian captain was surrounded by fans who were eager to take selfies, get autographs, and shake hands. Videos of his arrival immediately drew social media attention.
The 37-year-old was greeted by chants of “Virat, Virat” as fans gathered behind barricades, holding posters and mobile phones to capture a glimpse of the batting superstar. Some supporters even brought posters offering advance birthday wishes for his upcoming birthday on November 5th.
Despite security personnel’s presence, managing the crowd proved challenging as fans gathered around the Indian batter. A female fan kept calling out for an autograph. Kohli asked her to calm down before signing her poster.
She said that she had waited at the airport for two days to meet him and became emotional after finally receiving the autograph. The scenes once again highlighted his immense popularity among Indian cricket fans, even during an overseas tour.
Watch the viral videos here:
Virat Kohli aims to take his ODI average above 50 in New Zealand
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Kohli has joined the Indian squad ahead of the five-match ODI series, which begins at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. The team will then travel to Wellington and Hamilton before heading to Mount Maunganui for the final two matches.
The series gives Kohli a chance to improve his ODI record in New Zealand. He has scored 596 runs in 13 innings at an average of 49.66 and a strike rate of 91.41, including one century and four half-centuries.
Interestingly, among the SENA countries, New Zealand is currently the only one where Kohli’s ODI batting average is below 50. He averages above 50 in the other three countries.
The former India captain enters the series after a productive home ODI assignment against the West Indies. He began with an unbeaten 139 off 88 deliveries in the opening match, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross 15,000 ODI runs.
Kohli didn’t waste any time and headed to the nets soon after arriving, beginning his preparations for the upcoming assignment.
With the first ODI scheduled just days after his arrival, Kohli will look to carry his recent form into the series and make a strong start to India’s campaign.
When will the NZ vs IND ODI series begin?
The NZ vs IND ODI series will begin at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4.
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