Virat Kohli's Unique Interaction with Fans Before ODI Against New Zealand

In a recent encounter, Virat Kohli, the former captain of Team India, humorously declined to sign a comic-style toy presented by a fan before the fourth ODI against New Zealand. This interaction, which went viral, highlights Kohli's awareness of the collectible's potential resale value. As India prepares for the crucial match, Kohli's recent ODI performances have been noteworthy, with significant contributions to the team's success. Read on to explore more about Kohli's journey and the upcoming match dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 19:35 IST

Kohli's Autograph Refusal Sparks Interest

Virat Kohli, the former captain of Team India, declined to sign a comic-style toy presented by a fan prior to the fourth ODI in the five-match series against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on November 13.

After securing victories in the first two matches of the series in Auckland and Wellington, India's chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead was thwarted when the third ODI was canceled due to heavy rain at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Despite India captain Shubman Gill winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the match was abandoned without any play due to relentless downpours.

Attention now turns to the upcoming ODI in Mount Maunganui, where Team India, led by Shreyas Iyer, aims to clinch the series, while New Zealand seeks to recover and keep their chances alive in this closely contested series.

Kohli's Fan Interaction at Bay Oval

The Indian squad, including Kohli, engaged in a rigorous practice session at Bay Oval ahead of the fourth ODI. After the session, Kohli took time to connect with fans who had gathered to watch the team's preparations.

A memorable moment occurred when a supporter presented a custom comic-book figurine of Kohli, asking for his autograph. In a viral video shared on social media, Kohli accepted the unique item, smiled knowingly upon recognizing it, and humorously returned it unsigned, suggesting to the fan, 'You're going to sell it for a higher price.'

Kohli's Insightful Decision

Kohli's decision not to sign the collectible seemed to stem from his understanding that the fan might sell it for a profit, rather than keeping it as a personal memento. His playful comment indicated awareness that his signature could significantly increase the item's value among collectors.

As Kohli continues to focus on ODIs after retiring from T20Is and Tests, he aims to extend his career until the 2027 World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Kohli's Recent ODI Performance

Since retiring from Test cricket, Kohli, who celebrated his 38th birthday on November 5, has participated in every ODI series, including matches against Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Afghanistan, and West Indies, showcasing remarkable form and solidifying his role in India's middle order.

In the first two ODIs against New Zealand, Kohli scored 74 and 7 runs, respectively, and is eager to deliver a crucial performance in Mount Maunganui to help India secure the series. Notably, he became the first player to reach 13,000 ODI runs while batting at No. 3 during the series opener.

Over his last 17 ODI innings, Kohli has amassed 1009 runs, including four centuries and six fifties, boasting an impressive average of 72.07 and a strike rate of 115.05, making him the leading run-scorer in this period and reinforcing his status as a key player in international cricket.