A rare display of raw desperation during a series-decider Third ODI against New Zealand, Virat Kohli He was seen kicking in the air and screaming in anger after an unnatural rumble on the field.
Known for maintaining elite standards of athleticism even at the age of 37, Kohli’s high-intensity personality was on full display at the Holkar Stadium when a schoolboy mistake allowed the Kiwis to score a run. The display of emotion demonstrated the high stakes of the Indore decider as India struggled to find rhythm against the formidable Daryl Mitchell.
Virat Kohli loses his dominance due to unusual fielding slip in Indore
The flashpoint during New Zealand’s innings occurred when a routine collection turned into a series of wobbles, leaving Kohli visibly angry with himself. As the ball rolled towards him at short cover, Kohli attacked with his usual aggression but failed to collect the ball cleanly, causing the ball to bounce several times and the batsmen completing a comfortable single. Angered by the lack of discipline in his own execution, Kohli screamed in frustration and kicked the air football-style, a reaction that underlined his continued commitment to perfection despite his veteran status.
Given India’s collective struggles with poor fielding in the previous match in Rajkot, the schoolgirl’s mistake of failing to get her body behind the ball in a pressure situation was particularly agonizing for Kohli. Although the mistake resulted in only one run, Kohli’s animated reaction acted as a wake-up call for the inner ring, highlighting that even a legend refuses to accept mediocrity on the field. His ability to hold himself to the same exacting standards as a budding player will continue to define his legacy in 2026, proving that the fire within King Kohli still burns with the same intensity.
Here is the video:
Virat Kohli looks disappointed after his mistake.
His commitment to the game 🙌🏻🔥pic.twitter.com/Bmc2MBmyEj
– Supravirat (@Mostlykohli) 18 January 2026
Also read: Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips’ explosive centuries enrage fans in India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI
As soon as Kohli came to the centre, India faced a huge target of 338 runs.
With the third ODI reaching its most crucial juncture as India began the chase of 338, the task largely rests on Kohli’s shoulders. next Rohit SharmaAfter being out for just 11 runs, Kohli announced his arrival by hitting a sensational six over deep midwicket. Zachary FaulksSignaling his intention to pursue this on a large scale.
The task is huge; India will have to maintain the required run rate of around seven per over against New Zealand’s huge attack. kyle jamisonWhich has already gained significant bounce and movement under the lights. The match score became 45/2 in the 7th over after Gill’s sudden departure, which brought depth to the middle order. Shreyas Iyer And KL Rahul Testing will not be done like before.
Kohli, who is currently batting with his typical focus, knows that he needs a record-breaking performance to prevent New Zealand from winning the ODI series for the first time on Indian soil. The Holkar track remains a batting paradise, but with the pressure of a series finale and a score in excess of 330 looming large, India’s journey towards the trophy will require nothing less than a Kohli masterclass.
See also: IND vs NZ – Arshdeep Singh dismissed Henry Nicholls in the 3rd ODI
