Virat Kohli Targets Historic ODI Milestone in Rajkot
Virat Kohli stands just one big innings away from etching his name into the record books. The star Indian batsman could set a new national record when India faces New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday.
Consistent Run of Form
The 37-year-old batting maestro has been in phenomenal touch. He has registered five consecutive fifty-plus scores in One Day Internationals. This impressive sequence started during the final ODI against Australia in Sydney. It continued in the first match against New Zealand at Vadodara, where he scored a brisk 93 runs from just 91 deliveries.
Kohli struck eight boundaries and one six during that innings. He maintained a strike rate comfortably above 100, showcasing his aggressive intent and excellent timing.
Chasing Indian Greats
With five successive fifty-plus scores, Kohli currently shares the Indian record with several legendary names. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane have all achieved this feat before. A half-century in Rajkot would propel Kohli past these icons. He would become the first Indian batter to record six consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODI cricket.
Global Perspective
At the international level, the record for most consecutive fifty-plus scores belongs to Pakistan's Javed Miandad. He achieved this remarkable feat nine times in succession. Another Pakistani batsman, Imam-ul-Haq, follows with seven consecutive scores above fifty.
Several prominent cricketers have managed six successive fifty-plus ODI scores. This elite group includes New Zealand's Kane Williamson, West Indies' Shai Hope, Pakistan's Babar Azam, Ireland's Paul Stirling, New Zealand's Ross Taylor, and West Indies' Chris Gayle.
Staggering Recent Statistics
Kohli's recent ODI performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In his last five ODI innings, he has amassed 469 runs at an astonishing average of 156.33. This remarkable tally includes two centuries and three half-centuries.
If we include his performances in domestic List A cricket, the numbers become even more impressive. Kohli scored 131 and 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This extends his streak to seven consecutive fifty-plus scores in List A matches.
Across these seven innings, he has accumulated 677 runs at an average of 135.4. During this purple patch, he has smashed three centuries and four fifties, demonstrating incredible consistency and hunger for runs.
Series Context and Team News
India began the three-match ODI series with a hard-fought victory. They defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the opening encounter at Vadodara. However, the Indian camp has received some unfortunate news regarding team composition.
Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. The all-rounder suffered a side strain during the first match. The national selectors have named Delhi's young all-rounder Ayush Badoni as his replacement in the squad.
Team management might look beyond the replacement, however. Reports suggest India could include Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing eleven for the Rajkot match. This potential selection aligns with head coach Gautam Gambhir's stated preference for multi-dimensional players who offer more than one skill to the team.
The stage is perfectly set in Rajkot. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli as he walks out to bat, carrying the hopes of creating a unique piece of Indian cricket history.
