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Indian superstar Virat Kohli continued his red-hot run 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 stylish and controlled knock of 93, guiding India to a hard-fought four-wicket victory in Vadodara.
Virat Kohli’s stylish knock seals tough chase against New Zealand in 1st ODI
With this victory, the Men in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the three ODI matches. series against New Zealand at home. India looked entirely in charge for most of the run, but Kohli’s dismissal triggered a mini collapse. Yet the hosts kept their cool and crossed the line with a goal to spare.
Even at 37, Kohli continues to dominate the 50-over format with ease. After retiring from T20Is and Tests, the former Indian captain made ODIs his main stage and remains one of India’s biggest match-winners. However, he fell just seven runs short of reaching his 54th ODI hundred.
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Read also: Rohit Sharma loses his cool and gives Kuldeep Yadav a brutal mid-match reprimand in Vadodara ODI
Before this knock, the dashing right-handed batter smashed three centuries: two against South Africa and one in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also reached fifty against the Australian and Proteas teams, as well as one in the 50 over tournament for Delhi. Sunday, he missed his ton by only 7 points.
Virat Kohli can continue to play for India for the next 5-6 years: Mohammad Kaif
Reacting to Kohli’s blistering form, the former Indian batter Mohamed Kaif made a bold prediction for the batting maestro. Impressed by his hunger, fitness and calmness of mind, Kaif believes that Kohli has enough fuel in the tank to continue playing for India for another five to six years.
Kohli is aiming to play in the 2027 World Cup, but Kaif is confident that age will not slow him down and he will play beyond the mega-event. He pointed out that Kohli now bats with relaxed freedom, mixing aggression and patience, reading the bowlers early and enjoying his time in the middle.
Mohammad Kaif posted on
Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he is playing in the local league in Delhi. He seems relaxed, jokes with his friends, always has a smile on his face. Examines bowlers carefully, bowls aggressively but is patient. If he continues like this, stays motivated, he can continue to play for India for the…
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) J.AnYouArYes 12, 2026
If Kohli plays in the 2027 World Cup, he will be close to 40, an age rarely seen in international cricket at the highest level. Yet his current form suggests that the former Indian captain could innovate and achieve something no cricketer has done before.
Read also: Virat Kohli’s retirement shadow grows: Shubman Gill warns India of bleak future
He’s on a different level: Kyle Jamieson
Even the New Zealand leader Kyle Jamieson was in awe of Kohli. Jamieson admitted that Kohli is playing at a level where even smart plans stop working, and bowlers just have to try and hang on.
Jamieson told Vadodara: “It’s hard to say whether this is the best version of him or not – he’s been pretty good for a long time. Every time you meet him you have to be at your best just to compete. He’s at a different level.”
