Virat Kohli endures rare ODI slump, records three single-digit scores for first time in 11 years

Virat Kohli endured a disappointing outing in India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand, managing just one half-century in the four innings he played. The former India captain registered three single-digit scores as the visitors struggled to find consistency with the bat during the series.

Kohli began the tour on a promising note, scoring 74 off 51 balls in the first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. However, he failed to carry that momentum into the remaining matches, managing scores 7,0 and 5 in his next three innings.

The 38-year-old did not get an opportunity to bat in the third ODI in Hamilton on November 10, which was affected by rain. His struggles continued in the fourth match, where Matt Henry bowled him for a four-ball duck during India's chase of 334 runs at Mount Maunganui on November 13.

Kohli returned to the same venue for the fifth and final ODI on November 15 but could not make a significant contribution. He scored five runs off seven deliveries before being caught by wicketkeeper Tim Seifert off Matthew Fisher's bowling in the eighth over.

Virat Kohli's scores in India vs New Zealand ODI series

Kohli's scores across the series were 74, 7, did not bat, 0 and 5. His three single-digit scores in the second, fourth and fifth ODIs marked a rare low in his ODI career.

The right-handed batter had last recorded three single-digit scores in an ODI series in 2015, according to the available series records. He had also registered scores of 0, 6 and 7 during India's home ODI series against Pakistan in December 2012 and January 2013.

Kohli, who made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on August 18, 2008, arrived in New Zealand after an impressive run in India's previous ODI series against the West Indies. However, he was unable to replicate that form against the Black Caps.

Rohit Sharma also struggles against New Zealand

Kohli was not the only senior India batter who had a difficult series. Rohit Sharma also struggled to produce consistent performances during the away assignment.

The former India captain failed to open his account in the first and fourth ODIs. He scored 23 runs in the second match and managed just seven in the fifth, adding to India's batting concerns during the series.