IND vs NZ 2026: Virat Kohli gifts signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell after third ODI

Published - 19 Jan 2026, 13:06 IST | Updated - 19 Jan 2026, 13:07 IST

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli presented his signed jersey to star New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell following the conclusion of the third and final ODI of the series between the two teams at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18.

The gesture came after both batters delivered standout performances in the series decider, which saw the visitors clinch a historic ODI series win in India after overturning a 0–1 deficit, also their first series win here. Mitchell (352 runs) and Kohli (240 runs) finished as the top two run-scorers of the three-match series, underlining their influence across the contest.

Virat Kohli gives his signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell during the post-match presentation.A truly heart-warming gesture by King Kohli 👑❤️

Mitchell continued his remarkable run against the Men in Blue, scoring his second consecutive century of the series. The right-hander smashed a splendid 137 off 131 balls to anchor the BlackCaps' innings after being put in to bat. His knock powered the visitors to a formidable total of 337-8, placing significant pressure on the Indians ahead of the run chase.

Across the series, Mitchell amassed 352 runs, including two centuries and a fifty at an exceptional average of 176, striking at 110.34. His consistency earned him the Player of the Series award and further cemented his reputation as one of New Zealand’s most dependable middle-order batters in ODI cricket. The Kiwi has a very impressive record against India; he has scored 741 runs in the 11 innings with a staggering average of 74.10, including four centuries.

"It's really nice to contribute and to win over here. The way we built partnerships, with Young and Glenn Phillips. Always nice to get stuck into moments with your mates. I'm just trying to concentrate on being present, watch the ball and repeat, and make some good decisions. Phillips is a mate, awesome to see him get a hundred. He's been out injured, and I'm proud of how he's come back. I love playing for my country; it took a while to get here. Domestic cricket taught a lot," Mitchell told after the match.

As the action in the ODI format is done with, the focus for both sides now moves on to the five-match T20I series, which gets underway on January 21 in Nagpur. Mitchell will remain with the squad for the T20Is, but Kohli will have to wait a little longer for his international return, since he plays only 50-over cricket for India now.