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What Happened Last Time Virat Kohli Played Vs New Zealand At Chinnaswamy Stadium?

Kohli in training ahead of NZ Tests [Source: PTI] Kohli in training ahead of NZ Tests [Source: PTI]

Virat Kohli and the Chinnaswamy Stadium is a match made in heaven. Despite being born and brought up in Delhi, Kohli is treated like a local boy, whenever he comes to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The King of cricket and the King of RCB, Kohli feels at home away from home, whenever he plays at this iconic stadium.

It is a ground where he has carved a legacy and has played some stellar innings across formats. Not only in IPL, but the former India captain also has delivered in whites at this venue. Interestingly, his first Test century against the visiting New Zealand team came at this very ground in 2012.

The match dates back to 12-years ago, when Kohli was trying to cement his place in the Test side.

Kohli's brilliant century Vs New Zealand in 2012

It was the second Test match of the series, and India came into this game after a stellar win in the previous match. The Chinnaswamy Test against the Kiwis is known for the Virat Kohli masterclass as he delivered a brilliant performance to seal India's win.

New Zealand batted first and posted a healthy 365 on the board, with captain Ross Taylor scoring a brilliant 113. The Kiwi lower-order contributed with the bat as New Zealand had the upper hand.

When India came out to bat in the first innings, they lost a couple of early wickets, but a young Kohli rescued the team as he played with a mixture of caution and aggression and scored a scintillating 103, and forged partnerships with MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina as India scored 353 runs. It was a crucial century for the Indian batter as it brought him to the limelight and people believed that the Test future was in safe hands.

Kiwis faltered, but Kohli didn't

In the second innings, the ball started to turn and R Ashwin spun his web as he tormented the Kiwi batters and picked up a 5-wicket haul to bundle them out for a meagre 248. This meant that India needed 261 to seal the series, but it was not going to be easy on Day 5.

However, this time, the top-order batters chipped in with crucial runs, and once again, Kohli stood tall. Fresh from a commanding 100 in the first innings, the right-handed batter marched towards the target and remained unbeaten at 51 as India chased it down with 5-wickets remaining.

For his performance, Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match.