Bringing a new edge to his batting in a tense ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, Virat Kohli once again showed why he remains India’s greatest match-winner.
Virat Kohli showed class, India defeated New Zealand in a tough match
Kohli came with a more aggressive mindset than usual, facing the bowlers quickly and not allowing pressure to build. This approach made a big difference as India achieved the challenging target of 301 runs with four wickets in hand against New Zealand in the first ODI.
By striking at the right time, the flamboyant right-handed batsman eased the chase and kept the run rate in check during the toughest phase of the innings on the slow Vadodara surface. The former Indian captain played a decisive inning of 93 runs in 91 balls.
Also read: Virat Kohli overtakes Rohit Sharma to become world number 1 ODI batsman ranking
His smart shot selection, quick running between the wickets and timely boundaries kept New Zealand on the backfoot. During his stay, Kohli made a vital partnership of 118 runs with captain Shubman Gill. This stand sealed the game for the Men in Blue in the opening match of the three-match ODI series.
It’s hard to replicate what he does: Shubman Gill on Kohli
After the match, Gill, who himself led from the front and scored 56 off 71 balls with three fours and two sixes, admitted that the Vadodara surface was not easy to bat on, especially in the beginning, but Virat Kohli made it look easy, controlling the game with ease and confidence.
The Indian captain praised Kohli’s ability to dominate even in difficult situations with ease and acknowledged how special his form has been. Gill is hopeful that Kohli will continue his excellent form in ODI cricket, in which he is currently active.
At the post-match presentation, Shubman Gill said, “The way he (Kohli) is hitting the ball at the moment makes things look very easy; even on a surface where it was not easy to start with, he made it look easy. It is difficult to replicate what he does on the field. Hopefully he will keep scoring runs.”
Find a home with Virat Kohli’s award mother
Meanwhile, Kohli continues to move up the list of all-time greats in ODI cricket as he became the third player to receive the most Player of the Match awards in the format after earning the honor for his match-winning efforts in the opening match of the home series against the Black Caps in Vadodara.
Also read: Virat Kohli angry at his own fans, drags MS Dhoni into debate to raise cruel issue
Sachin Tendulkar still leads the charts with 62 Player of the Match awards in ODIs, a record that has stood strong over the years. Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya is in second place with 48 awards. Kohli is third in the list with 45 Player of the Match awards and is the only active cricketer among the top names.
Now he has a great chance to overtake Jayasuriya in the current New Zealand series. When asked about the POTM awards, Kohli showed his simple and down-to-earth side, but revealed that he sends them back home to Gurgaon, where his mother happily keeps them safe.
“To be honest, I have no idea. I just sent the trophies to my mother in Gurgaon – she loves having them,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
