Highlights:
- Kohli scores 124 off 108 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes.
- This marks his 85th international century and 54th in ODIs.
- Kohli becomes the leading run-scorer at No. 3 in ODIs, surpassing Ricky Ponting.
- India loses the series as New Zealand claims their first-ever ODI series win in India.
- Lower-order batter Harshit Rana scores his maiden ODI fifty in a crucial 99-run stand with Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s coach, Rajkumar Sharma, showered praise on the star Indian batter following his brilliant century in the third ODI against New Zealand, while also pointing to the key reason why India could not secure the series win.
Kohli played a commanding innings of 124 runs off 108 balls, including 10 boundaries and three sixes, displaying the kind of form that has made him one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket. Despite his stellar performance, India fell short as New Zealand clinched a 41-run victory, taking their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil.
Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, “He played a brilliant innings yesterday and showed what kind of form he is in. Unfortunately, he couldn’t win the match for India because too many wickets fell. The way he played for his team and country is commendable.” Sharma’s comments highlighted both the brilliance of Kohli’s effort and the underlying struggles of the team in the crucial moments of the match.
Kohli’s innings brought hope for Indian fans and added more milestones to his illustrious career. This century marked his 85th international hundred and his 54th in One Day Internationals, further extending his record in the format. It was also his seventh ODI century against New Zealand in just 36 innings, the most by any batter against the Kiwis. Across all formats, Kohli now has ten centuries against New Zealand, including three in Test matches, making him the most prolific Indian batter against the Kiwi side.
Additionally, Kohli surpassed Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the leading run-scorer at the No. 3 position in ODI cricket. In 244 innings at this position, he has scored 12,676 runs at an average of 61.53, with 47 centuries and 67 fifties, and a highest score of 183. His consistency at the top of the order continues to be a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.
In the match, New Zealand set a challenging total of 337/8, powered by centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137*) and Glenn Phillips (106). Indian bowlers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh fought hard, picking up three wickets between them, but the target proved too steep. Kohli’s lone fightback included a 99-run partnership with lower-order batter Harshit Rana, who scored his maiden ODI fifty, yet it was not enough to take India over the line.
Though the series ended in disappointment, Kohli’s performance reaffirmed his status as India’s leading run-scorer and a match-winner in tough situations. His coach’s comments underscored that while individual brilliance can shine, cricket remains a team sport where collective performance ultimately decides the result.
India will now look to regroup and build on Kohli’s form in upcoming matches, hoping to combine his individual heroics with a more consistent team effort. Kohli, meanwhile, continues his quest to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries, keeping fans worldwide eagerly watching every innings.
