Virat Kohli posts intense net session at Brabourne as India prepare for New Zealand ODIs

Virat Kohli undertook an intense net session at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Friday as he prepared for India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand, batting for nearly two hours. The former India captain worked on a range of strokes against both pace and spin during the practice.

Kohli’s net work arrives with the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup approaching and with India viewing the New Zealand tour as an opportunity to sharpen their 50-over game. He heads into the assignment after scoring 168 runs in India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies in September, at an average of 84 and a strike rate of 155.55. In the opening ODI at Thiruvananthapuram he made an unbeaten 139 off 88 deliveries, a knock that took him past 15,000 ODI runs and completed his 55th ODI century; India won that match by eight wickets with captain Shubman Gill contributing 110.

On the red-soil practice pitch at Brabourne, Kohli faced both fast bowlers and spinners and worked extensively on driving through the covers, showing the balance and timing highlighted during the session. He also practised assured defensive strokes off the back foot and used his feet to challenge spin, a sequence the coaching staff viewed as specific preparation for varied New Zealand attack options.

The workout was presented publicly on social media, with a Star Sports post stating: "Look who's back, hitting the nets! #ViratKohli is bringing the intensity ahead of the next challenge! #NZvIND #INDvNZ #TeamIndia https://t.co/wb8ZkdYVbC"— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2026. Team sources described the session as reflecting Kohli’s focus as India ready themselves for the tour of the Black Caps.

India are currently contesting a five-match T20I series against New Zealand and have taken a 2-0 lead, registering victories at Hagley Oval in Christchurch and in the second match. The ODI leg is scheduled to run from November 4 to 15, 2026, with the opening match in Auckland, followed by fixtures in Wellington and Hamilton, and the final two matches set for Mount Maunganui.

Kohli will be hoping to carry his recent form and the momentum from Friday’s net session into the ODI series that begins on November 4 in Auckland as India continue preparations for the 2027 World Cup.