IND vs NZ ODI: Virat Kohli’s Century Steals Indore Spotlight

Virat Kohli once again stood tall on the big stage, delivering a breathtaking century that lit up Indore and reminded the cricketing world why his name still commands respect and admiration. Although India fell short in the series decider, Kohli’s knock carried weight far beyond the final result, turning a losing cause into a moment of individual brilliance and historical significance.

New Zealand may have walked away with the series, but Kohli walked away with records, milestones, and renewed momentum heading into the future.

Table of Contents

Match Details

Format: One Day International (ODI)
Series: Three-match ODI series
Match: Third and final ODI
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Date: 18th January, 2026
Teams: India vs New Zealand
Series Winner: New Zealand
Final Series Scoreline: New Zealand won 2–1
Historical Significance: New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series victory in India

Score Summary

New Zealand innings: 337/8 in 50 overs
– Daryl Mitchell: 137 runs, played a commanding and steady innings
– Glenn Phillips: 106 runs, fluent and aggressive, kept the scoring rate high
India innings: 296 all out in 46 overs
– Virat Kohli: 124 runs, brilliant under pressure, anchored the chase
– Nitish Kumar Reddy: 53 runs, composed and responsible contribution
– Harshit Rana: 52 runs, fighting innings in the middle order
Match result: New Zealand won by 41 runs, sealing a historic series victory in India

Records And Milestones Achieved By Virat Kohli

Most ODI centuries across venues: Kohli has now scored hundreds at 35 different ODI grounds, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar
List A century count climbs higher: Kohli now stands on 59 List A hundreds, just one short of Tendulkar’s all-time record
Unmatched dominance against New Zealand: Ten international centuries against the Black Caps, the most by any batter, overtaking Jacques Kallis
A new benchmark at number three: Kohli becomes the highest run-scorer in ODI history at the number three batting position, moving past Ricky Ponting
Home soil excellence continues: Forty-one international centuries in India, second only to Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli’s Innings That Stood Above The Result

India’s chase began on shaky ground, with early wickets putting pressure on the batting lineup. In the middle of uncertainty, Virat Kohli brought calm, control, and clarity. His innings was built on patience early and authority later, showing complete command over timing and shot selection.

This century was not rushed, nor was it forced. It was shaped with maturity and awareness, reflecting the mindset of a batter who understands match situations better than most. Even as wickets fell around him, Kohli refused to retreat, carrying India’s hopes deep into the chase.

A Century That Reflects Kohli’s Consistency

What makes this Virat Kohli century special is not just the number, but the consistency behind it. Scoring hundreds across different countries, venues, opponents, and match situations shows a level of adaptability few players ever achieve.

Kohli has now scored seven or more ODI centuries against five different teams, a clear sign of long term dominance rather than short bursts of form.

Brilliance Even In Defeat

This was Kohli’s ninth ODI century in a losing cause, placing him among elite names in cricket history. While the match result did not favour India, his performance once again highlighted his fighting spirit and refusal to surrender.

Even when the outcome slips away, Kohli continues to play with pride, responsibility, and hunger.

Big Match Player By Every Measure

Kohli’s record in high pressure games further strengthens his legacy. In ODI series deciders, he averages over fifty, proving his reliability when stakes are highest. In chases above 300 runs, his numbers remain exceptional, with over two thousand runs and ten centuries.

The Indore innings was another example of how pressure often brings out the very best in him.

Virat Kohli century

IND vs NZ ODI

India vs New Zealand

Indore

New Zealand series win

ODI records

Final Takeaway

New Zealand earned a historic series win with discipline and composure, but the heartbeat of the match belonged to Virat Kohli. His century did more than entertain, it reinforced belief, broke records, and signalled that his journey is far from over.

As India looks ahead to bigger challenges, this knock stands as a powerful reminder that Virat Kohli remains a force capable of shaping moments, matches, and memories.