Indian superstar Virat Kohli continued his impressive form in ODI cricket in Vadodara on Sunday (January 11). Chasing a tough target of 301 against New Zealand in the first ODI, Virat Kohli played a brilliant and controlled inning of 93 as India secured a tight four-wicket win in Vadodara.
Due to the excellent innings of Virat Kohli, it has become difficult to achieve the target against New Zealand in the first ODI.
With this win, the Men in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on home soil. India looked completely dominant in the chase for most of the time, but Kohli’s dismissal led to a small collapse. Nevertheless, the hosts kept their composure and crossed the boundary with an over to spare.
Even at the age of 37, Kohli continues to maintain his dominance in the 50-over format. After retiring from T20Is and Tests, the former Indian captain has made ODIs his main platform and remains one of India’s biggest match-winners. However, he missed his 54th ODI century by just seven runs.
Also read: Rohit Sharma lost his temper in Vadodara ODI, scolded Kuldeep Yadav badly in the middle of the match.
Before this innings, the explosive right-handed batsman had scored three centuries – two against South Africa and one in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored half-centuries against the Australia and Proteas teams, as well as a half-century for Delhi in the 50-over tournament. Now on Sunday he missed his century by just 7 runs.
Virat Kohli can keep playing for India for the next 5-6 years: Mohammad Kaif
Reacting to Kohli’s explosive form, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has made a bold prediction for the batting maestro. Impressed by his hunger, fitness and calm mindset, Kaif feels Kohli has enough fuel to play for India for the next five to six years.
Kohli aims to play in the 2027 World Cup, but Kaif is confident that age will not come in his way and he will play beyond this mega event. He has told that Kohli now bats carefree, mixes aggression with patience, reads the bowlers quickly and enjoys his time in the middle.
Mohammad Kaif had posted on
Virat Kohli plays ODI matches as if he is playing Delhi Local League. Looks relaxed, laughs and jokes with colleagues, always has a smile on his face. Keeps a close eye on the bowlers, plays aggressively but shows patience. If he continues like this, stays motivated, he can continue playing for India…
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 12 January 2026
If Kohli plays in the 2027 World Cup, he will be close to 40, which is rarely seen in international cricket at the highest level. Nevertheless, his current form shows that the former Indian captain can break new ground and achieve something that no cricketer has done before.
Also read: Shadow of Virat Kohli’s retirement increases: Shubman Gill warns of bleak future for India
He is on a different level: Kyle Jamieson
Even New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was in awe of Kohli. Jamieson admitted that Kohli plays at a level where even smart plans stop working and bowlers are just trying to survive.
“It’s hard to say whether this is the best version of him or not – he’s been very good for a long time. Every time you come up against him, you have to be at your best to compete. He’s at a different level,” Jamieson said in Vadodara.
