Right-hander Glenn Phillips took up a left-hander's stance even before left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox had begun his run-up and hit the bowler for a six.
Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to his commitments in the SA20 league.
Even as the focus remains on the T20 World Cup which is less than a month away, Kohli and Rohit will hog the limelight in the three ODIs over the next seven days.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell on Tuesday said it would be "silly to underestimate" Indian batting superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and backed the stalwarts to play next year's ODI World Cup.
Virat Kohli's batting a plus but lots of areas need improvement, says Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli's stroke-filled 91-ball 93 set up India's win in the series opener against New Zealand.
India's absolute dominance at home will come under examination when they meet a determined New Zealand in the decisive third ODI at the high-scoring Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, with the three-match series locked at 1-1.
Kohli's 124 in vain as New Zealand beat India by 41 runs in 3rd ODI to clinch series 2-1
K L Rahul's unbeaten ton was eclipsed by Daryl Mitchell's splendid 131 not out as New Zealand levelled the three-match series 1-1 with a seven-wicket win in the second ODI.
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