(Image source from: Twitter.com/BCCI)
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli stated on Sunday that he favors an aggressive batting style early in his innings instead of waiting for the game to unfold, after scoring an impressive 93 runs off 91 balls that helped India secure a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI match. Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional performance, which played a crucial role in India's successful chase of a challenging target of 301 runs. He also shared his views on trying to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s records for the most runs and hundreds in international cricket. "To be honest, if we had batted first today, I would have likely played more aggressively. Since there was a score on the board, I needed to focus and adapt to the situation. However, I really wanted to hit more boundaries," he explained after the game. Kohli pointed out that his approach at the number three position has changed, with a stronger focus on applying pressure on the opposing team right after losing a wicket.
"The main idea is that I batted at number three, so if things become tricky, I trust myself to attack rather than just playing cautiously," he mentioned. "Because some balls are meant for you to hit. So it's pointless to wait too long. But you also don’t play reckless shots; you stick to your strengths. You trust yourself enough to make the opposing team feel pressured, and that’s exactly what occurred today when I came in. I believed that if I push hard in the first 20 balls, we could build a partnership right after Rohit’s wicket. That's when the other team starts to feel the pressure, and that was key to winning the game," he added.
On Sunday, the 37-year-old became the quickest player to achieve 28,000 runs in all formats of international cricket and is now the second-highest scorer after Sachin Tendulkar. He reached this milestone in his 624th innings by hitting a four against New Zealand spinner Adithya Ashok. Tendulkar accomplished this feat in his 644th innings, while Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara, the third player in the 28,000-run club, achieved it in his 666th innings. “If I'm completely honest, right now, I’m not focused on milestones at all,” Kohli admitted. "Truthfully, when I reflect on my entire journey, it feels like a dream come true. I’ve always believed in my abilities, but when I started, I had to put in a lot of effort to reach where I am today. "
Acing yet another chase!
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026
Virat Kohli is adjudged the Player of the Match for his highly impressive (91) in the run chase
Scorecard https://t.co/OcIPHEpvjr#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @imVkohli | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/iGYCxZPGkq
God has given me so much that I have no reason to complain about anything. Therefore, I only feel thankful. I often reflect on my entire journey with much appreciation and a grateful heart, and I take pride in it. Kohli is admired by cricket fans anywhere he goes and plays.
"I'm thankful to be in this position. Honestly, it's a true blessing. You can bring joy to many simply by doing what you love, which is playing the sport you have always cherished since childhood.
"What else could I ask for? I'm truly living my dream and making people happy, seeing their smiling faces. " When Kohli went out to bat after Rohit Sharma was dismissed, the audience erupted in cheers as the opener left for the locker room. When asked if he felt uneasy for the batter going out, he shared, "I think different timings happen in different matches; I'm not really tuned into it.
"I genuinely don't feel great about it if I’m being honest. The same thing happens with MS. I've witnessed this many times too. I don't think it's nice for the player leaving. So I do feel sorry for him. I also see that the crowd gets thrilled and happy. "So I guess it's just a part of the game, and I focus on what I need to do without overthinking before I go out to bat." India captain Shubman Gill mentioned that right now Kohli is making batting appear effortless.
"It's hard to start on these kinds of pitches. It's tough to replicate what he accomplishes. I hope he keeps scoring a lot.""It always feels wonderful to contribute, especially during a chase. Staying focused on the present is crucial, especially for athletes. That's what I aim to do."
