Virat Kohli Shines Again with Match-Winning Performance Against New Zealand
Kohli's Stellar Performance in the First ODI
Former captain of Team India, Virat Kohli, once again thrilled fans and the cricket community with a remarkable innings during the first ODI against New Zealand at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. Kohli scored an impressive 93 runs off 91 balls, leading India to a successful chase of 301 runs, clinching a four-wicket victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Kohli's Consistent Form
Kohli has maintained his excellent form from the recent ODI series against South Africa and his performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last December. His recent innings against New Zealand further solidified his status as a key player in ODIs.
Since focusing solely on ODIs after retiring from T20Is and Tests, Kohli aims to extend his career until the 2027 World Cup. His recent performances, including a fifty in the final ODI against Australia, showcase his determination to remain a vital part of India's ODI setup.
Kohli's Record-Breaking Journey
In the ODI series against South Africa, Kohli was the top scorer with 302 runs, featuring two centuries and a fifty, averaging 151. He continued this momentum in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 133 and 77 runs, reaffirming his commitment to the 2027 World Cup.
In the match against New Zealand, Kohli fell just seven runs short of his 54th ODI century, which would have marked his 85th international century.
Kohli's Focus and Enjoyment of the Game
Since retiring from Test cricket in May 2025, Kohli has concentrated on his ODI career, aiming to contribute significantly to India's white-ball strategy as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup. His dominance in ODIs over the past 15 years has made him a crucial player in India's batting lineup.
Former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin shared insights on Kohli's resurgence, stating that Kohli has not altered his technique but is enjoying the game more, playing with a childlike freedom. Ashwin noted that Kohli's mindset is relaxed, allowing him to perform at his best.
A Promising Year Ahead
Kohli's performance in the first ODI against New Zealand marks a strong start to 2026, a pivotal year for Team India as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup. This year includes 17 ODIs, providing a platform for players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma to secure their spots in the squad.
Kohli recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, accomplishing this in just 624 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 644 innings.