Virat Kohli in his only ODI in Wellington (Source: AFP)
After securing a dominant victory in the first ODI against New Zealand, India will look to carry their winning momentum into the second match in Wellington.
India made a winning start to the five-match ODI series on November 4, 2026, beating New Zealand by five wickets via DLS in Auckland. Virat Kohli led the chase with 74 off 51 balls, while India's bowlers restricted the hosts to 185.
The venue, however, brings back memories of a difficult tour for the visitors, who suffered a 4-0 series defeat the last time they played a five-match ODI series in New Zealand in 2014.
Virat Kohli was among the few Indian batters to make an impact on that tour. With Kohli once again expected to play a key role in India's batting line-up, here's a look back at his previous outing at the venue.
A look back at Virat Kohli’s previous ODI outing in Wellington
The last time Virat Kohli featured in an ODI in Wellington was on January 31, 2014, when India faced New Zealand in the fifth match of the series at the Westpac Stadium, now known as Hnry Stadium.
India, led by MS Dhoni, won the toss and elected to bowl first. New Zealand recovered from losing two early wickets through a 152-run partnership between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. Williamson scored 88 off 91 deliveries, while Taylor went on to register 102 off 106 balls.
Brendon McCullum added 23, while James Neesham provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 34 off just 19 deliveries. New Zealand finished their 50 overs at 303/5, setting India a challenging target of 304 runs.
Virat Kohli’s magnificent fight went in vain
Kohli was India's biggest hope during the chase. However, the visitors endured a disastrous start, losing Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane inside the first 14 overs with just 30 runs on the board.
Kohli then joined Ambati Rayudu and attempted to rebuild the innings. The pair added 48 runs for the fourth wicket before Rayudu departed for 20. Kohli continued to fight, scoring 82 off 78 balls, including seven fours and three sixes.
He was eventually dismissed by Nathan McCullum in the 37th over, with India at 145/5. MS Dhoni contributed 47, but the Indian lower order could not keep up with the required run rate. Matt Henry, making his ODI debut, claimed four wickets for 38 runs as India were bowled out for 216 in 49.4 overs.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli also picked up a wicket in his only ODI appearance at the Wellington venue in 2014, finishing with figures of 1/36 from seven overs alongside his match-high 82 runs.
New Zealand won the match by 87 runs, with Ross Taylor named Player of the Match for his century.
India lose to New Zealand 4-0
The defeat in Wellington completed a disappointing ODI series for India. New Zealand won the opening two matches by 24 and 15 runs respectively, while the third ODI ended in a tie. The hosts then registered a seven-wicket victory in the fourth match before completing the series with an 87-run win in Wellington.
Despite Kohli scoring 291 runs across five matches, including a century and two half-centuries, India could not prevent a comprehensive series defeat. Taylor finished as New Zealand's leading run-scorer with 343 runs at an average of 85.75.
As India return to Wellington, Virat Kohli will be looking to create a different memory at the venue and help the visitors build on their winning start.
