The 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 classy and controlled knock of 93, guiding India to a hard-fought four-wicket win in Vadodara.
Virat Kohli’s classy knock seals tough chase against New Zealand in 1st ODI
With this win, the Men in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. India looked completely in charge for most of the chase, but Kohli’s dismissal sparked a mini collapse. Still, the hosts held their nerve and crossed the line with one over 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 has made ODIs his main stage and remains one of India’s biggest match-winners. However, he fell just seven runs short of his 54th ODI hundred.
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Before this knock, the dashing right-handed batter smashed three centuries—two against South Africa and one in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also hit fifties against the Australia and Proteas sides, as well as one in the 50-over tournament for Delhi. Now on Sunday, he missed his ton by just 7 runs.
Virat Kohli can keep playing for India for the next 5-6 years: Mohammad Kaif
Reacting to Kohli’s blistering form, the former India batter 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 in the tank to keep 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 that he will play beyond the mega event. He has pointed out that Kohli now bats with a relaxed freedom, mixing aggression with patience, reading bowlers early, and enjoying his time in the middle.
Mohammad Kaif posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday (January 12): “Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he is playing in the Delhi local league. Looks relaxed, jokes with mates, and always has a smile on his face. Takes a hard look at bowlers, plays aggressively but shows patience. If he continues like this and remains motivated, he can keep playing for India for the next 5-6 years.”
Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he is playing Delhi local league. Looks relaxed, jokes with mates, always has a smile on his face. Takes a hard look at bowlers, plays aggressively but shows patience. If he continues like this, remains motivated, he can keep playing for India for the…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 12, 2026
If Kohli features 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 the former Indian captain could break new ground and achieve something no cricketer has done before.
Read Also: Virat Kohli retirement shadow grows: Shubman Gill warns India of a dark future
He’s on a different level: Kyle Jamieson
Even the New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson was in awe of Kohli. Jamieson admitted that Kohli plays at a level where even smart plans stop working, and bowlers are left just trying to hang on.
Jamieson said in 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 come up against him, you’ve got to be at your absolute best just to compete. He’s on a different level.”
