A high voltage five match ODI series between India and New Zealand gets underway on November 4, with cricket followers keenly focusing on seasoned campaigners Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both stalwart batters now exclusively represent the national side in this specific fifty over format. While the competitive ledger between these two cricketing nations features several remarkable milestones and classic contests, the landmark of an individual double century has been achieved on just one solitary occasion. Many fans might instinctively credit legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli with this feat, but the record book tells a completely different story, belonging instead to another Indian star.
Shubman Gill and His Historic Hyderabad Knock
The only cricketer ever to record a double hundred in India versus New Zealand ODIs is India's current ODI captain, Shubman Gill. The stylish opener registered this massive achievement in 2023 during a fixture in Hyderabad. Opening the series in emphatic fashion, Gill hammered 208 runs from 149 deliveries, striking 19 boundaries and clearing the ropes with 9 sixes. His commanding effort powered India to a daunting total of 349 runs, which ultimately paved the way for a memorable victory. That innings also eclipsed the previous high watermark held by Sachin Tendulkar, establishing Gill as the owner of the highest individual score in 50-over matches between these two sides.
Indian Dominance Across Top Seven Individual Scores
Examining the highest individual innings ever recorded in clashes between the two nations reveals that all top seven positions belong to Indian batters. While Shubman Gill leads the pack with his 208, Sachin Tendulkar claims both the second and third spots courtesy of his unbeaten 186 in 1999 and an unbeaten 163 in 2009. Virat Kohli holds the fourth position with his unbeaten 154 compiled in 2016. Sourav Ganguly sits in fifth place with an unbeaten 153, closely followed by Rahul Dravid who also scored 153 to take the sixth spot. Rohit Sharma rounds out this illustrious top seven, having posted an aggressive 147 against the Kiwis.
Major Milestone Opportunity for Senior Duo
The upcoming five-match rubber presents a prime window for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to add their names to this double centurions bracket against the Black Caps. Both veteran batters are entering the series in fine touch, backed by exceptional career numbers against this particular opponent. Kohli sits atop the charts as the highest run scorer and century maker in bilateral ODI history between the two countries. Meanwhile, Sharma has consistently dominated Kiwi bowling attacks, having crossed the milestone of more than 1000 career runs against New Zealand. Both masters will be eager to stamp their authority across the five upcoming encounters.
