Former India captain Virat Kohli sought divine blessings ahead of the crucial third ODI against New Zealand by visiting the revered Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. The visit came just days before the series decider, which will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore with the three-match ODI series currently level at 1-1.
Kohli was accompanied by left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav during the temple visit. A video showing the star batter offering prayers and bowing his head inside the temple premises has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from fans. Known for his strong spiritual beliefs, Kohli has often turned to faith during important phases of his career, and this visit once again highlighted that side of his personality.
India and New Zealand have shared honors so far in the ongoing ODI series. India won the opening match in Vadodara, where Kohli played a fluent knock of 93 runs and looked in complete control at the crease. New Zealand, however, bounced back strongly in the second ODI to level the series, setting up a high-voltage finale in Indore.
Virat Kohli’s Form Against New Zealand
Consistent Returns With the Bat
Kohli has carried his excellent form into the New Zealand series after smashing back-to-back centuries against South Africa earlier.
- Runs scored: 116
- Matches played: 2
- Highest score: 93
- Strike rate: 96.66
Kohli has been in impressive form in recent outings. After smashing two consecutive centuries against South Africa, he carried that momentum into the New Zealand series. In two matches so far, he has scored 116 runs at a strike rate of 96.66, making him the third-highest run-scorer of the series behind Daryl Mitchell and KL Rahul. Although he was dismissed for 23 in the second ODI, his overall rhythm with the bat has been encouraging for the Indian camp.
Holkar Stadium Challenge: Kohli’s Indore Record
Numbers That Tell a Different Story
Interestingly, Kohli’s record at Holkar Stadium, Indore, has not mirrored his overall ODI dominance.
- Matches: 4 innings
- Runs: 99
- Average: 33.00
- Highest score: 36
- Strike rate: 108.79
The third ODI will be played at Holkar Stadium, a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions and short boundaries. Interestingly, Kohli’s personal ODI record at this ground has not been particularly impressive. Across four innings at the venue, he has managed 99 runs at an average of 33, with a highest score of 36. The upcoming match offers him a chance to improve those numbers and make a decisive impact when it matters most.
With the series on the line, expectations will once again rest heavily on Kohli’s shoulders. His experience, current form, and ability to perform under pressure make him a key figure for India in the final ODI. The visit to Mahakaleshwar Temple reflects a moment of calm and focus before the battle, as the former captain prepares to lead from the front in a match that could define the series outcome.
As anticipation builds for the Indore clash, fans will be hoping that Kohli’s blend of faith, confidence, and class translates into another memorable performance in Indian colors.