Another ODI run chase, another hundred, and another win – the story goes on.
When Kohli took off his helmet and pointed his bat towards the stands, he was not just celebrating his 51st ODI hundred but also another brilliant run chase as India beat Pakistan by six wickets in the Champions Trophy. He made a special gesture for his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, who was watching at the Dubai International Stadium, and then he turned towards the dressing room to accept the applause.
Kohli was back to his best form, showing his strength in run chases and his great skill in the game. No one does it better than him in this format, and his calm control during chases is a lesson for young players.
He does not take unnecessary risks. He chooses his shots carefully and avoids flashy hits unless it is really needed. He turns singles into twos, and the fielders must always be alert as he quickly runs between the wickets. The opposition gets worried when his cover drives connect – as happened twice in an over by Haris Rauf early in his innings. The first shot was a careful check, while the second was smooth and could have changed the game in a big match against Pakistan.
In Dubai, during the ODI, Kohli played a shot that showed his true skill.
He shines in tough situations, and Sunday’s match was another reminder of why he is so dominant in 50-over cricket. His impressive numbers show his ability, but more important is how he builds and controls the run chase. Even when he does not hit many boundaries, his quick running keeps his strike rate high. In his unbeaten hundred, he scored 46 singles and 13 twos. Even under the hot sun, after playing more than 85 overs, he still pushed for those extra runs at the end.
After the match, in an interview, Kohli talked about his innings, keeping the “noise away,” and how he will rest and recharge before India’s last group stage match against New Zealand on March 2.
“My job was to control the middle overs against the spinners without taking too many risks. Towards the end, Shreyas picked up the pace and I managed a few boundaries. This allowed me to play my usual ODI game. I know my game well; it is about ignoring distractions, staying focused, and managing my energy and thoughts,” he said.
“Honestly, at 36, it feels very good. I will rest for a few days because it takes a lot of effort to give this kind of performance in every game,” he added.
The journey is not over as Kohli still has plenty to offer. On Sunday, he reached a new milestone, scored his 82nd international hundred, won the Player of the Match award, and once again showed why he is one of the best in the game.
