Star India batter Virat Kohli was greeted by overwhelming fan interest when he arrived in Vadodara on Wednesday, January 7, ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Large crowds gathered at the airport, leading to chaotic scenes as fans rushed to catch a glimpse of the former Team India captain.
Kohli celebrated the New Year in Dubai with family and close friends, with vacation photos going viral on social media platforms. The Delhi-born batter then returned to India and was seen arriving in Mumbai earlier in the day, shifting focus back to cricket duties ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Virat Kohli Mobbed by Fans on Arrival in Vadodara
Virat Kohli once again showed his massive fan following after arriving in Vadodara ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand. As soon as Kohli stepped out of the airport, a huge crowd gathered around him. Fans shouted his name and rushed forward to catch a glimpse of the star batter.
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Security personnel tightened arrangements as the situation quickly became chaotic. Many fans tried to take selfies and record videos, making it difficult for Kohli to move towards his vehicle.
The scenes at the airport highlighted Kohli’s popularity across the country. Even after many years at the top level, his presence continues to draw excitement and passion from fans wherever he goes.
🚨Absolute madness in Vadodara!🚨#ViratKohli gets mobbed by fans as he leaves the airport.
He is set to take part in the #INDvsNZ ODI series.pic.twitter.com/TFHT5G39Bm
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) January 7, 2026
Virat Kohli Set to Begin 2026 With ODI Series Against New Zealand
Virat Kohli is set to begin his 2026 international season with the ODI series against New Zealand, a format he has fully focused on after stepping away from T20Is and Tests. He will look to continue the strong form he showed in late 2025, especially in home conditions.
The opening match in Vadodara holds special significance for Kohli. He last played an ODI at the venue in 2010, also against New Zealand, when he scored an unbeaten 63 in a successful run chase alongside Gautam Gambhir.
Kohli recently scored 131 and 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and enjoyed an outstanding run against South Africa earlier, where he amassed 302 runs across three innings, including two centuries, to win the Player of the Series award.
Virat Kohli Has Six ODI Centuries Against New Zealand
Kohli will head into the ODI series against New Zealand with a strong record against the opponents. In 33 ODIs versus the Black Caps, he has scored 1,657 runs at an average of 55.23 with a strike rate of 95.50, including nine half-centuries and six centuries.
Kohli’s recent form further boosts India’s confidence ahead of the series. The team also gets added strength with the return of captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who missed the previous ODI series against South Africa due to injury.
Overall, Kohli remains one of India’s most reliable performers in the format. He has amassed 14,557 runs in 308 ODIs at an average of 58.46 and a strike rate of 93.65, with 76 half-centuries and 53 centuries.
Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma challenged by Michael Bracewell to play 2027 World Cup
