Vikas Kohli Defends Brother Virat After ODI Century Amid Criticism
Virat Kohli delivered another masterclass with the bat during India's ODI series against New Zealand. The former captain scored a magnificent 124 runs in the final match at Indore. Despite his heroic effort, India fell short by 41 runs, losing the series 1-2.
Kohli's Consistent Performance Throughout the Series
The 37-year-old batter showcased his enduring class across all three matches. He accumulated 240 runs at an impressive average of 80. His scores included 93, 23, and the century in the decider. These numbers highlight his continued dominance in the one-day format.
Kohli's latest century marked his 54th in ODIs and 85th in international cricket. This achievement came just days after former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar questioned his career decisions. Manjrekar had suggested that Kohli chose to continue in the "easy" format of ODIs after retiring from Test cricket.
Vikas Kohli's Sharp Response on Social Media
Virat's elder brother Vikas Kohli quickly responded to the criticism. He posted a pointed message on Threads that quickly went viral. "I wonder if Mr Expert of cricket has some suggestions for the easiest form of cricket," Vikas wrote. He emphasized that performing at the highest level requires being out in the middle, not just commenting from the sidelines.
Vikas added, "You need to be there to do that. Anyways, as I said, easier said than done." His words resonated with many fans who have watched Virat's consistent performances over the years.
Recent Form Silences Doubts About Motivation
The statistics strongly support Virat Kohli's current form and dedication. In his last six ODI appearances, he has scored three centuries and two half-centuries. He also performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket, hitting a century and a fifty for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
These performances have effectively silenced questions about his motivation following his Test retirement. Kohli continues to demonstrate his commitment to the game and his team.
Looking Ahead to Future Commitments
Virat Kohli will next represent India in July 2026 during the ODI tour of England. Before that, he will shift his focus to the IPL 2026 season. He aims to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru defend their title in the prestigious tournament.
Kohli's dedication to cricket remains unwavering despite the criticism. His recent performances prove that he still has much to contribute to Indian cricket across formats.
