Virat Kohli's Stellar ODI Performance Earns Praise from Mohammed Kaif
Kaif Commends Kohli's ODI Brilliance
Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has expressed admiration for Virat Kohli's exceptional form in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He remarked that Kohli approaches the game with the same ease as if he were playing in a local league in Delhi. Kaif believes that if Kohli maintains his motivation, he could represent India for another five to six years, extending beyond the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Kohli's Consistent Run Scoring
Kohli's impressive streak continued as he scored 93 runs off 91 balls against New Zealand in the first ODI held in Vadodara. This marked his seventh consecutive innings with a score exceeding fifty. Fans are eagerly anticipating his next two matches, hoping he can achieve nine fifty-plus scores in a row, ideally with two centuries.
A New Approach to Batting
While Kohli has maintained his traditional, calculated style of play, he has also embraced a more aggressive approach. He is hitting more boundaries and sixes, showcasing a freer batting style than ever before.
Kaif's Observations on Kohli's Attitude
In a recent post on X, Kaif noted, "Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he is playing Delhi local league. He appears relaxed, shares jokes with teammates, and consistently wears a smile. He assesses bowlers carefully, plays with aggression, yet remains patient. If he keeps this up and stays motivated, he could continue playing for India for the next 5-6 years."
Kohli's Remarkable Comeback
After retiring from Test cricket in May, Kohli made his return to the Indian ODI squad during the Australia tour in October. His last appearance prior to this was in the ICC Champions Trophy in March. Following two consecutive ducks and a period of adjustment, there were questions about his future in ODIs, especially with the upcoming 2027 World Cup in mind, given the limited number of ODIs scheduled.
Impressive Statistics
Since his comeback, Kohli has amassed 677 runs in just seven innings, averaging an impressive 135.4, which includes three centuries and four fifties. Notably, he also scored 131 and 77 runs for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a 15-year hiatus.
Kohli Reaches New Milestone
In the recent ODI against New Zealand, Kohli became the third player in history to surpass the 28,000-run mark in international cricket. He has now overtaken Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket with 28,068 runs from 557 matches, boasting an average of 52.66 and 84 centuries.