NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli displayed his classic batting form once again. He walked to the crease with confidence and quickly settled into his rhythm. The Indian star unleashed his trademark cover drives and straight shots, accumulating runs steadily throughout his innings.
Kohli's Match-Winning Knock
In the opening match of the three-game ODI series, Kohli played a fluent innings. He scored 93 runs from just 91 deliveries. His performance helped India successfully chase down a target of 301 runs. The team secured a four-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series against New Zealand.
Kohli has already retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket. However, he continues to be a vital player in the ODI format. His experience and skill were on full display during this important match.
Historic Milestones Achieved
During his innings, Kohli reached two significant career milestones. He became the fastest player in cricket history to score 28,000 international runs across all formats. This achievement highlights his consistency and longevity at the highest level of the sport.
Additionally, Kohli moved into second place on the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket. He now stands behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. This position cements his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.
Pre-Batting Routine Goes Viral
A fan-recorded video from the match has gained massive attention on social media platforms. The footage provides a fascinating look at Kohli's preparation routine just before he goes out to bat.
The video shows Kohli getting ready moments after Rohit Sharma's dismissal. He can be seen padding up quickly, then spraying perfume on himself. Next, he applies lotion to his hands, grabs a quick snack, and slips on his batting gloves. All these actions are completed within seconds before he walks out to the middle.
Just Short of Another Century
Kohli appeared well set to score his record-extending 54th ODI century during Sunday's series opener. However, he fell just seven runs short of reaching three figures. A tall New Zealand bowler caught him at mid-off when he was on 93.
Despite missing the century, his innings proved crucial for India's victory. It demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and guide the team to a successful run chase.
Opposition Praise for Kohli
New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson expressed his admiration for Kohli's batting prowess. Jamieson has faced Kohli as an opponent and also played alongside him as a teammate in the Indian Premier League.
Jamieson described Kohli as a player who operates at an entirely different level compared to others. He admitted it's challenging to determine if this is Kohli's peak form, given how consistently excellent he has been over many years.
"It's hard to say from an opposition point of view whether this is the best version of him or not," Jamieson told reporters after Sunday's match. "He's been pretty good for a long time, right?"
Both players shared the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room during IPL seasons. This experience gave Jamieson unique insight into Kohli's approach and dedication to the game.
Looking Ahead to the Next Match
The second ODI of the series will take place on Wednesday. Teams will compete at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. India will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while New Zealand will look to bounce back and level the series.
Cricket fans eagerly anticipate another exciting contest between these two competitive sides. All eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can continue his impressive form and potentially reach that elusive century in the upcoming match.
