Ahead of the two-match Test series against New Zealand, the Indian High Commission hosted a reception for the team in Wellington on Wednesday.
Talking at the event, skipper Kohli said that New Zealand always plays the game with the right spirit and if India were to share the number one spot with anyone, then it would definitely be the Kiwis.
"We are very honoured to be here. We want to thank you for inviting us here. Visiting the Indian High Commission is always special, we enjoy meeting our own people," Kohli said.
"If we had to share the number one spot with any other team, it would be New Zealand. We have had a tremendous time here, the hospitality has been amazing. We feel very welcomed here. We lost the ODI series, but now we have real cricket to look forward to that is the Test cricket," he added.
India is at the top spot on the World Test Championship standings while New Zealand is in the sixth position.
"We have reached a stage where every team wants to beat us. New Zealand would also look to do so, playing against New Zealand is a way of experiencing life," Kohli said.
"We definitely have learnt to play the right brand of cricket by watching New Zealand play. Thank you very much for inviting us," he added.
India will face New Zealand in the first Test at Wellington from February 21.
Earlier, the T20 International series ended in a 5-0 win for India while New Zealand beat the visitors 3-0 in the One Day International series.
