Hamilton, Feb 4 (IANS): Ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, India skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday once again remembered and paid tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who passed away recently in a tragic chopper crash.

Speaking to scribes on the eve of first ODI against New Zealand, the Indian run-machine said Kobe's death was "heartbreaking" and "a shock for everyone".

"It was heartbreaking, it was a shock for everyone. I grew up watching those NBA games in the morning and when someone passes away like that, it does put everything in perspective. You get inspired by watching someone, but you understand at the end of the day, life can be so fickle," Kohli told reporters.

"Sometimes, we get too caught up thinking about the game, about what shot to play, what ball we need to bowl, but we forget to live life. It has put everything in perspective for me. I am bracing life and I am appreciating it. You want to enjoy every moment that you are going through, what you are doing in a day is not the most important thing, the most important thing is life itself," he added.

Retired NBA star Kobe was one of nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas where he was being accompanied by his 13-year-old daughter.