Virat Kohli's Coach On His Record-Breaking Hundred: 'Way He Played For His Team And Country Is...'

Coach Rajkumar Sharma lauded Virat Kohli’s century against New Zealand in the third ODI, highlighting Kohli’s excellent form and impressive performance for India. Sharma acknowledged Kohli’s valiant efforts but noted that the fall of too many wickets hindered India’s chances of securing a series win.

“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,” Rajkumar Sharma was quoted as saying to ANI.

Kohli’s Record-Breaking Knock

Despite India’s failure to clinch the ODI series against New Zealand, Kohli’s remarkable century provided hope for the Men in Blue and their fans, while also setting numerous records and milestones.

Kohli scored an impressive 124 runs off 108 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes. This marked his 85th international century, as he continues to chase Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries. Additionally, this is Kohli’s 54th ODI century, extending his own record.

Kohli’s seventh ODI century against New Zealand, achieved in 36 innings, is the highest by any batter against the Kiwis in this format. His 10 centuries against New Zealand across all formats, including three in Tests, are also the most by any batter against the team. Kohli surpassed Australian legend Ricky Ponting’s total of 12,655 runs to become the highest run-scorer in ODIs at the number three position. He has accumulated 12,676 runs in 244 matches and innings at an average of 61.53, with 47 centuries and 67 fifties, his best score being 183.

In the match, New Zealand secured their first-ever ODI series win in India with a 41-run victory in the third ODI held in Indore. Centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137*) and Glenn Phillips (106) propelled New Zealand to a total of 337/8, despite three wickets each from Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. Kohli’s lone warrior century and his 99-run partnership with lower-order batter Harshit Rana, who scored his maiden ODI fifty, were in vain as New Zealand triumphed over the Men in Blue.

(With inputs from Agencies)