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Virat Kohli has had a series to forget on India's ongoing tour of New Zealand. Virat Kohli, who is known for his consistency and ability to score runs in tough conditions and situations, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the five-match ODI series in New Zealand.
The former Indian captain finished with an average of just 21.5, making it the second-worst bilateral ODI series of his career in which he played at least four innings. This is concerning for both Kohli and the team management as they prepare for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Virat Kohli's nightmare New Zealand tour ends with another cheap dismissal in 5th ODI
Virat Kohli’s poor run continued in the fifth and final ODI between India and New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday (November 15).
The dashing right-hander could score only five runs off seven balls before Matthew Fisher dismissed him for just five runs off seven balls at Bay Oval.
Read Also: "Haven't spoken to my dad": Aaryavir Sehwag's revelation on Virender Sehwag after PoTT win in U19 Asia Cup.
The former Indian captain tried to attack a short ball outside the off stump but ended up giving a top edge. New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert moved to his right to take a simple catch to end Kohli’s already forgettable tour on a disappointing note.
Virat Kohli records second-worst ODI series of his career
The India vs New Zealand ODI series has also affected Kohli's impressive record in New Zealand. Before this tour, the batting maestro had an ODI average of 51.53 in New Zealand.
However, following his disappointing performances, his average has now dropped to 42.62. Looking at his career numbers, Kohli's lowest average in a bilateral ODI series with at least four innings came against England in 2014, when he averaged just 18.
His 21.5 average against New Zealand in 2026 is now the second-lowest, followed by his 31.8 average against Sri Lanka in 2008.
Virat Kohli's lowest averages in bilateral ODI series (minimum 4 innings):
- 18 – vs England in 2014
- 21.5 – vs New Zealand in 2026*
- 31.8 – vs Sri Lanka in 2008
Virat Kohli equals unwanted career record after poor New Zealand tour
There is another unwanted record that Kohli has registered during the ongoing five-match ODI series. This is only the second time the former Indian captain has scored three single-digit scores in a bilateral ODI series, having scored 74, 7, 0, and 5 across the four innings in New Zealand.
The fourth ODI was abandoned because of rain. The first instance came during Pakistan's tour of India in 2012-13, when Kohli scored 0, 6, and 7 in three innings.
Read Also: 7.50 average! Rohit Sharma endures worst-ever ODI series ahead of 2027 World Cup.
Virat Kohli's three single-digit scores in an ODI series on four occasions:
- 2011: World Cup
- 2012-13: Pakistan's tour of India
- 2014-15: Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series in Australia
- 2026: India's tour of New Zealand
Well, Kohli managed just 86 runs in four innings during India's ODI series in New Zealand. It was a rare disappointing series for the star batter, who is known for his consistency. He will now look to bounce back and regain his form in the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
