Virat Kohli will hit hundred, India to draw New Zealand in ODIs: Pujara

Virat Kohli's recent ODI form has prompted Cheteshwar Pujara to back him for a century against New Zealand. The former India batter also expects a closely fought series, predicting a 2-2 result with rain potentially washing out one match.Pujara backs Kohli to continue his ODI form. (Courtesy: PTI)New Delhi,Nov 3, 2026 12:51 ISTVirat Kohli's recent run of form has raised expectations ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand, with former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara backing the star to score at least one century during the five-match contest.Kohli has been in prolific form in ODIs, scoring 854 runs in his last 12 innings at a strike rate of 117.63. His latest standout performance came against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, where he smashed 139 off just 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes.The 37-year-old has also spoken about taking his game to another level at this stage of his career, saying he wants to play a gear or two higher. His aggressive approach has drawn praise from former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who believes Kohli is playing with greater freedom and relying more on instinct.Pujara, speaking on Star Sports, believes Kohli's position at No. 3 gives him a better chance of reaching three figures in New Zealand than Rohit Sharma, whose role as an opener could change in the conditions there. "The way Rohit bats, he has a role of providing good starts in the powerplay. In New Zealand, maybe that role changes, so he could go for a century. But for Virat, the chances are slightly higher because he bats at number three. His game is more about playing the anchor role," Pujara said."For a batsman coming in at number three, scoring a century in the ODI format becomes a bit easier. The opener's role is also defined, but in New Zealand conditions, that changes a bit. So, I feel Virat has more chances of scoring a hundred in New Zealand than Rohit."WHAT IS PUJARA'S SERIES PREDICTION? India are set to play five ODIs against New Zealand, with the series beginning on November 4. Pujara expects the contest to be closely fought but has predicted a 2-2 draw, with one match potentially washed out due to rain.He believes India will have the advantage in the first three matches, but expects the final two games to be more challenging because of changes to the Indian team."Two-all. In the first three matches, one team is playing, and then, in the last two matches, another Indian team is going to play. So, I think New Zealand have a slight advantage because you aren't playing the same team in all five matches," Pujara said."I'm still backing the Indian team in the first three matches, as I feel they will do well. The last two matches could be a bit of a challenge, but it will be a hard-fought series. And it rains in New Zealand, so probably one match will be a washout."- Ends