Virat Kohli has firmly silenced any doubts regarding his future in One Day Internationals (ODIs) as he showcased his exceptional batting skills in the opening match against New Zealand on Sunday. The former India captain played a calculated innings, scoring 93 runs off 91 balls to help India chase down a target of 301 and secure a four-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. This impressive performance marks Kohli’s seventh consecutive score of fifty or more runs in ODIs since his return to the format in October last year.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian all-rounder, weighed in on Kohli’s remarkable form, emphasizing that the 37-year-old appears to be enjoying his cricket as he once did in his youth. “It looks like nothing is going on in his mind. You asked me what he has changed—he hasn’t changed anything; he is just not thinking about anything. He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel. He mentioned that Kohli seems to be playing with an attitude reminiscent of his childhood, enhanced by the experience he has gained over the years.
Ashwin also provided insights into the performance of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who returned to the international scene after a lengthy absence due to a spleen laceration. Iyer scored 49 runs off 47 balls, forming a vital partnership with Kohli. Ashwin acknowledged Iyer’s consistency in ODI cricket, noting, “We know that Shreyas has been ‘Mr. Consistent’ for India in ODI cricket.” He reflected on Iyer’s dismissal, which he described as unusual, adding, “But it is very understandable; he is making a comeback, and that was a good ball by Jamieson.”
Post-match, Shreyas expressed his happiness about starting the series on a winning note. “Great start to the series. Coming back after a while into the team, it feels great to be a part of this squad. More than that, it was a great feeling to share the dressing room with each and every one. I was missing it for quite a while, but I am happy to be back,” Iyer remarked.
Kohli’s return to form and Iyer’s comeback add a layer of excitement for India’s cricketing prospects as they move forward in the series, promising thrilling matches ahead.