Auckland: Former India captain Virat Kohli‘s arrival at Auckland Airport on Friday, October 30, triggered a major fan gathering as supporters turned up in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the batting star ahead of India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Despite security arrangements, Kohli was surrounded by fans seeking selfies and autographs as he made his way through the airport terminal. Videos circulating on social media showed supporters gathered behind barricades, chanting his name and holding up mobile phones to record his arrival.
The crowd made it difficult for the cricketer to move towards the exit, and security personnel eventually helped escort him through the gathering.
Kohli gestures to fans to maintain calm
The airport videos showed fans enthusiastically calling out Kohli’s name and requesting photographs and autographs. Some supporters had also brought posters wishing him in advance for his birthday on November 5.
Kohli, who turns 38 next month, attempted to manage the growing excitement by raising his hands and gesturing to the crowd to remain calm.
One particularly persistent fan continued requesting an autograph. Kohli asked her to calm down before signing her poster. With more people attempting to approach him, security personnel stepped in to help him leave the crowded area.
The scenes highlighted the considerable support the former India captain continues to receive from cricket followers outside the country.
Kohli joins India squad for New Zealand ODI series
The 37-year-old arrived in Auckland to join the Indian squad ahead of the five-match ODI series, which begins on November 4 at Eden Park.
Rohit Sharma had reached Auckland a day earlier, while India captain Shubman Gill had also joined the squad and begun preparations in the nets.
India have announced separate squads for different stages of the ODI series. Gill will lead the side in the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer is set to take charge for the final two games.
The series will be played across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui. The five-match assignment will be followed by a two-Test series between the teams.
Kohli arrives after impressive West Indies series
Kohli heads into the New Zealand assignment after India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies at home earlier in October.
He began that series with an unbeaten 139 off 88 deliveries, a performance that took him past 15,000 runs in ODI cricket. He became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the milestone.
Kohli followed the century with 29 runs in the second match before being dismissed for a golden duck in the final game.
The former India captain remains among the leading batters in the ODI format and will be an important part of India’s plans for the New Zealand series.
Strong record in New Zealand
Kohli has an impressive record in New Zealand, having scored 596 runs in 13 ODI innings in the country at an average of 49.66 and a strike rate of 91.41.
His tally includes four half-centuries and one century. His highest score in New Zealand is 123 off 111 balls, scored against the hosts at Napier in 2014.
The upcoming series will give him another opportunity to add to that record. His experience will also be valuable as India prepare for the next phase of their ODI campaign.
India prepare for five-match assignment
India’s opening ODI against New Zealand will take place at Eden Park on November 4. The teams will then travel to Wellington and Hamilton before the final two matches in Mount Maunganui.
With Kohli and Rohit Sharma joining the squad, attention will turn to India’s preparations and the combination selected for the opening match.
For now, Kohli’s arrival has already generated considerable excitement among local supporters. The airport reception offered a glimpse of the interest surrounding India’s tour and the popularity of one of the country’s most recognised cricketers.