7 days to go: Kohli’s return sends New Zealand camp on alert ahead of high-voltage clash

With just a week left for his comeback, Virat Kohli is set to begin the new year with renewed fire, and New Zealand are already revisiting painful memories of the Indian great’s past dominance against them.

The countdown has begun for the return of India’s modern-day great, Virat Kohli. With just seven days remaining for his comeback, the former India captain is gearing up to start the new year on a high, and his preferred hunting ground once again appears to be New Zealand.

Kohli, who ended last year by reminding the cricketing world of his prime form with dominant performances, is now preparing to face the Black Caps. Even before New Zealand arrive in India, concerns over Kohli’s impact have surfaced within their camp. The reason is not just his current form, but a series of haunting memories that refuse to fade.

Over the years, Kohli has repeatedly dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack across conditions and venues. His past performances against the Black Caps continue to trouble them, especially in One-Day Internationals.

One of Kohli’s earliest statements against New Zealand came in Napier, when he was just 25 years old. In challenging overseas conditions, a fiery young Kohli announced his arrival with a commanding century. He opened his innings with a trademark cover drive and sealed his hundred with another crisp stroke, scoring 123 runs off 111 balls and leaving New Zealand stunned.

Another unforgettable blow came in Mohali during the 2016 ODI series. Chasing a challenging target of 286, India lost two early wickets and slipped into pressure. Kohli then took complete control, launching a brutal counterattack. His 154-run knock off 134 deliveries turned the match on its head and powered India to victory.

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In Kanpur, during the 2017 ODI series, fans witnessed a classic Kohli display. Alongside Rohit Sharma, he dominated the bowling attack with elegance and authority. Kohli’s 113 off 106 balls showcased his class and control, once again exposing New Zealand’s struggles against him.

Fast forward to the 2023 ODI World Cup in Dharamshala, where conditions heavily favoured bowlers. Yet, Kohli showed why he is considered the ultimate chase master. Playing with patience and precision, he anchored the innings with a crucial 95-run knock and single-handedly guided India to a vital win.

Perhaps the most iconic moment came at Wankhede Stadium during the same World Cup. In a high-pressure encounter, Kohli produced one of the finest innings of his career, smashing his 50th ODI century in front of Sachin Tendulkar. That knock not only broke records but also crushed New Zealand’s resistance on the biggest stage.

Statistically, New Zealand remains one of Kohli’s favourite opponents. In ODIs alone, he has scored six centuries and nine half-centuries against them, averaging an impressive 55.23. Recent performances in the South Africa series and the Vijay Hazare Trophy suggest that Kohli is once again peaking at the right time.

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As India prepares to take on New Zealand, the spotlight is firmly on Kohli. With a fresh year and renewed hunger, the run machine looks ready to resume his dominance, leaving the Black Caps bracing for another tough battle.