Virat Kohli is still one of the biggest superstars in world cricket, and he elicits raucous fan hysteria wherever he goes. It was no exception when the Indian batting superstar reached Vadodara ahead of the three-match ODI series with New Zealand, starting January 11. Having moved his domicile to London and being away from India on a regular basis, Kohli’s visit certainly made supporters curious to see their hero in person.
He left the airport and it was nothing but absolute mayhem. Hundreds of fans came out to greet him, calling his name and documenting the moment on their phones. Security was soon increased, but the gathering had swelled to such an extent that Kohli found it difficult to get to his car. Certainly for a few moments, it had looked like the 36-year-old was going to be stuck in a sea of adoring fans, serving as yet another reminder of how hard it sometimes is for a global icon.
This was just the most recent example. This was the second time in as many days that Kohli had been welcomed at an airport on his return from the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, after he impressed so well for India. With heavy security measures in place, there were fans all around him asking him about his form and the travel itineraries, while some requested selfies. Kohli, for his part, accepted the situation graciously and even encouraged the crowd to relax a bit after allowing those seeking selfies or autographs do so while engaging with people quite warmly as well.
No Difference 👑 pic.twitter.com/8Ie5zH5VgD
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 7, 2026Virat Kohli Back in Form Ahead of New Zealand Series
Virat Kohli, on the cricket field, is in red-hot form ahead of the New Zealand series. After a mini lean patch that also saw him bag back-to-back ducks against Australia, the former India captain found his rhythm. He hammered a crucial half-century in the final ODI against Australia and followed it up with back-to-back tons against South Africa. Kohli finished the series with another fifty and he was rightly awarded the Player of the Series.
The senior batsman scored 302 runs in the series against South Africa, evidence that he is back among runs. Armed with renewed belief and rhythm in his game, Kohli now gears for the Kiwi challenge as he hopes to carry on his good work into the 50-over tourney.
