Virat Kohli once again showed why he remains India’s biggest match-winner, bringing a fresh edge to his batting in a tense ODI chase against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11.
Virat Kohli shows class as India beat New Zealand in tight chase
Kohli came out with a more aggressive mindset than usual, taking on the bowlers early and refusing to let pressure build. This approach made a huge difference as India chased down a challenging target of 301 with four wickets in hand against New Zealand in the first ODI.
By attacking at the right moments, the dashing right-handed batter eased the chase and kept the run rate under control during the most difficult phase of the innings on the slow surface of Vadodara. The former Indian captain played a decisive knock of 93 runs from 91 balls.
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His smart shot selection, quick running between the wickets, and timely boundaries kept New Zealand on the back foot. During his stay, Kohli stitched a crucial 118-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill. This stand sealed the game for the Men in Blue in the three-match ODI series opener.
It’s tough to replicate what he does: Shubman Gill on Kohli
After the match, Gill, who himself led from the front with a steady 56 off 71 balls, hitting three boundaries and two sixes, admitted that the Vadodara surface was not easy for batting, especially early on, but Virat Kohli made it look effortless, controlling the game with ease and confidence.
The Indian captain hailed Kohli’s ability to dominate even in tough conditions with ease and acknowledged how special his form has been. Gill hopes Kohli will continue his sublime form going forward in ODI cricket, in which he is only active now.
Shubman Gill said at the post-match presentation, “The way he’s (Kohli) striking the ball at the moment makes things look so easy; even on a surface like this where it wasn’t easy to start, he made it look easy. It’s tough to replicate what he does on the field. Hope he keeps piling on runs.”
Virat Kohli’s Awards Find a Home With Mom
Meanwhile, Kohli continues to climb the all-time greats list in ODI cricket as he becomes the third player with the most Player of the Match awards in the format after clinching the honor for his match-winning efforts in the home series opener against the Black Caps in Vadodara.
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Sachin Tendulkar still leads the chart with a massive 62 Player of the Match awards in ODIs, a record that has stood strong for years. Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya follows next with 48 awards. Kohli sits third on the list with 45 Player of the Match awards and is the only active cricketer among the top names.
Now, he has the best chance to surpass Jayasuriya in the ongoing New Zealand series. When he was asked about the PoTM awards, Kohli showed his simple and grounded side but revealed that he sends them back home to Gurgaon, where his mother happily keeps them safe.
Kohli said at the post-match presentation, “Honestly, I have no idea. I just sent the trophies back home to my mom in Gurgaon—she loves keeping them.”
