Virat Kohli Shines with 93 Runs, Approaches Milestone of 28,000 Runs in ODI Cricket

Virat Kohli delivered an impressive performance with 93 runs in Vadodara, bringing him closer to the milestone of 28,000 runs in ODIs. This match not only showcased his batting prowess but also highlighted his reflections on his cricketing journey and the joy he brings to his fans. Kohli's candid thoughts on the pressures of fandom and his commitment to making his mother proud add depth to his story. As he continues to break records, Kohli remains focused on enjoying the game and delivering for his team. Read on to explore more about his remarkable achievements and insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 02:04 IST

Kohli's Stellar Performance in Vadodara

In Vadodara, Gujarat, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli displayed his exceptional skills by scoring a crucial 93 runs while chasing a target of 301 against New Zealand. This remarkable performance also marked his achievement of surpassing 28,000 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history.

During the innings, Kohli demonstrated his aggressive intent while maintaining a flawless approach, hitting 93 runs off 91 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six, achieving a strike rate of over 102. Although the crowd did not witness his 85th century, they were treated to the sight of Kohli breaking records, including his seventh consecutive score of over 50 in ODIs, representing both India and Delhi.

A young fan holding a handmade sign promising to forgo food for a week if Kohli did not score a century was left disappointed after the very next ball. However, during the post-match presentation, Kohli shared his thoughts candidly, reflecting on his journey and the joy he brings to his fans.

With this match, Kohli earned his 45th 'Player of the Match' award in ODIs, ranking third overall, and his 71st across all formats, just behind Sachin Tendulkar's record of 76. Kohli took a moment to express that his ultimate goal has always been to bring happiness to his fans and pride to his mother. Despite the demanding schedule of being a cricketer and businessman, he cherishes these awards as symbols of love and gratitude shared with his mother.

"I send my awards to my mum back at home in Gurugram; she is proud of them," Kohli said, radiating gratitude.

Reflecting on his career, which now sees him just 6,000 runs shy of surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli acknowledged the hard work and self-belief that have propelled him to this point. He finds immense joy in seeing fans smile while he plays.

"Looking back, my journey feels like a dream come true. I have always recognized my abilities, but I knew hard work was essential to reach where I am today. I feel blessed and proud of my journey," he remarked.

"I am incredibly thankful. It’s a blessing to bring happiness to so many people through the sport I love. What more could I ask for? I am living my dream, and seeing people smile brings me joy," he added.

However, Kohli cautioned his die-hard fans to reconsider their reactions when one of their openers, Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill, gets dismissed. He noted that similar overwhelming cheers for a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player led to MS Dhoni's entrance, and he expressed discomfort with the 'fandom' culture prevalent in Indian cricket, particularly among fans of Dhoni, Rohit, and himself.

"Different games bring different timings, and I am aware of it. Honestly, it doesn’t feel good for the player walking back. I understand the crowd's excitement, but I focus on my responsibilities and remain grateful," he stated.

Kohli's much-anticipated return to ODIs during the Australia tour was disappointing, as he recorded two consecutive ducks. However, in his next seven innings, he has scored over fifty runs in each, including three centuries, accumulating 677 runs at an impressive average of 135.40. His hunger for runs has reached 'peak Kohli' levels, but he emphasizes that milestones are not his priority. Instead, he focuses on playing effectively in each situation.

While Kohli began his innings aggressively, he adjusted his approach according to the pitch conditions, scoring his fifty in 44 balls with a strike rate of 113.

"To be honest, I am not thinking about milestones right now. If we were batting first, I might have played more aggressively. But in a chase, I had to adapt to the situation. My main focus was to position the team for a comfortable win," he explained.

"As a number three batsman, if the situation is challenging, I trust myself to counterattack rather than wait. Any ball could be your last, so being passive isn’t an option. I aim to play to my strengths. When I came in after Rohit’s dismissal, I felt that if I attacked early, we could put the opposition under pressure. That strategy proved effective," he concluded.

Now, with 557 matches under his belt, Kohli has amassed 28,068 runs at an average of 52.66, including 84 centuries. With only about 50 appearances left in his career, it’s time to relish this final stretch of ODIs and celebrate the legacy of cricket's greatest players.