Overview
- Kohli reclaimed the ICC men's ODI batting top spot on 785 points, edging New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell on 784 with Rohit Sharma third on 775.
- India lead the three-match series 1–0 after chasing 301 in Vadodara, where Kohli’s 93 earned Player of the Match.
- New Zealand won the toss in Rajkot and elected to field, with India naming Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI.
- Kohli, who arrived in Rajkot as the newly minted No. 1, was dismissed early for 23 by Kristian Clarke.
- India confirmed Washington Sundar’s side strain ruled him out of the series, with Ayush Badoni added to the squad as cover.