Watch: Virat Kohli plays his signature cover drive off first delivery in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI

Virat Kohli made an impressive first impression on this trip by executing a classic cover shot for his first ball, taken as he walked to the wicket at number three with India's innings on the third ball of the 13th over. Kohli wasted no time in making an impact and putting pressure on the New Zealand bowlers with this shot.

New Zealand's bowler, Kristian Clarke, overpitched his delivery slightly, and Kohli took advantage of the mistake. Kohli played an excellent cover drive, putting his whole body behind the shot and using his wrists to roll the ball down through the covers with the perfect timing and placement, leading to a boundary, with the ball travelling past both the cover fielder and going to the boundary after passing through the deep sweeper. Kohli's classic cover drive and the way he has started off this innings shows his intention to dominate the game during the critical stage of play after he had come out to bat earlier on.

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The 37 Year Old Kohli has shown excellent performances recently have shown that he is full of confidence with the first shot he played. During India’s first ODI at home vs New Zealand, Kohli scored a brilliant 93 runs to win Player of the Match and gave India a 1-0 edge in the series. Earlier today, Kohli was also announced as the new number one ranked ODI batsman in the most recent ICC ODI batting rankings after scoring 785 rating points to overtake his teammate Rohit Sharma.

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KL Rahul century guide India to 284/7 in their 50 overs

After New Zealand elected to bowl first, India posted a competitive total of 284 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Shubman Gill led the way at the top with a fluent 56, while Rohit Sharma chipped in with 24 before falling in the powerplay. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were unable to convert their starts, managing 23 and 8 respectively. The middle order, however, ensured stability, with wickets falling at regular intervals but the scoring rate being maintained through steady partnerships.

KL Rahul anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 112 from 92 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a six to guide India to a strong finish. He was well supported by Ravindra Jadeja, who added 27, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who contributed a quick 20. For New Zealand, Kristian Clarke was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Jamieson, Foulkes, Bracewell and Lennox chipped in with one apiece. India’s late surge helped them push past the 280 mark, setting a challenging target for the visitors.