Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli produced a batting masterclass on Sunday, January 11, steering the Men in Blue to a nail-biting four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara. His commanding knock of 93 runs from just 91 deliveries was the cornerstone of India's successful chase, earning him the Player of the Match honour.
A Knock of Class and Composure
Walking in under pressure, Kohli displayed his trademark chasing prowess, striking eight boundaries and a six during his stay at the crease. His innings was a blend of aggressive intent and calculated risk-taking, effectively dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack. This performance was instrumental in India taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Heartwarming Dedication: Trophies Head Home to Mom
In a post-match interview that showcased his humility, Kohli revealed a touching personal detail about his growing collection of awards. When questioned about the number of Player of the Match trophies he has won, the former captain confessed, "Honestly, I have no idea. I send it to my mum in Gurgaon, she likes to keep them."
Reflecting on his incredible journey, Kohli expressed profound gratitude. "If I look back at my whole journey, then it is nothing short of a dream come true for me," he said. "I have always known my abilities, and I have worked a lot for where I am today. God has blessed me with way too much, and I have a lot of gratitude in my heart, I feel proud."
Team First: Milestones Take a Backseat
Kohli emphasized that the team's success always outweighs personal milestones. "If I am being brutally honest, then I am not thinking about the milestones," he stated. He explained that his approach would have been more aggressive had India batted first, but the chase required a different mindset. "The only thing was to get the team into a good position in the chase," he added, highlighting his role as the anchor.
He also addressed the unique dynamic of crowd reactions, acknowledging that the loud cheers for his arrival can sometimes put pressure on the incoming batter. "It is all different timings that happen at different games, I don't feel good about it... it is not a good feeling for the guy going out," he said with empathy.
Chasing Greatness: Closing in on a Legend
This latest award is Kohli's 45th Player of the Match award in ODIs, taking his overall international tally to an astounding 71. He now stands just five awards behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 76 international POTM awards.
Despite the adulation and records, Kohli remains grounded. "I feel grateful for being put into this position. You can give happiness to so many people by playing this sport, putting smiles on people's faces makes me smile," he shared, acknowledging the love from millions of fans.
With his blend of relentless consistency, chasing expertise, and off-field grace, Virat Kohli continues to solidify his legacy as one of the modern greats. As the series progresses, fans will be watching eagerly, knowing any more match-winning performances will likely mean another trophy making its way to his mother's collection in Gurgaon.
