Virat Kohli Eyes Historic ODI Record as India Take on New Zealand in Rajkot
Rajkot: Virat Kohli stands on the brink of creating a new Indian record as India face New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday. The former India captain is just one more substantial innings away from becoming the first Indian batter to register six consecutive fifty-plus scores in One Day Internationals.
Kohli, now 37, has been in remarkable form, scoring five straight fifty-plus scores in ODIs. The run began in the final ODI against Australia in Sydney and continued through the opening match of the ongoing series against New Zealand in Vadodara. In that match, Kohli played a fluent knock of 93 off 91 balls, striking eight boundaries and a six while maintaining a strike rate above 100.
Kohli Equals Indian Legends, One Step Away From History
With five successive fifty-plus scores, Kohli is currently level with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane among Indian batters. A half-century in Rajkot would see him move past the legends and set a new national benchmark in ODI consistency.
On the global stage, Pakistan’s Javed Miandad holds the record for the most consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs with nine. He is followed by Imam-ul-Haq with seven. Several international stars, including Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Shai Hope, Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor, and Paul Stirling, have achieved six consecutive fifty-plus scores, a list Kohli could soon join.
Staggering Numbers Highlight Kohli’s Red-Hot Form
Kohli’s recent numbers underline his dominance. In his last five ODIs, he has amassed 469 runs at an astonishing average of 156.33, which includes two centuries and three fifties. When his domestic performances are added to the mix, the numbers grow even more impressive.
Including two innings for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy — scores of 131 and 77 — Kohli has recorded seven consecutive fifty-plus scores in List A cricket. Across these innings, he has scored 677 runs at an average of 135.4, featuring three centuries and four half-centuries.
India’s Team News Ahead of Rajkot ODI
India began the three-match ODI series with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Vadodara. However, the hosts have suffered a setback with Washington Sundar ruled out of the remaining matches due to a side strain.
Delhi all-rounder Ayush Badoni has been named as his replacement in the squad. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to be included in the playing XI, aligning with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for players who contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Virat Kohli’s consistency across formats and levels of cricket continues to set him apart even in the later phase of his career. As India prepare for the Rajkot ODI, the focus will inevitably remain on whether Kohli can convert his form into a record-breaking milestone. With confidence high and conditions favourable, the second ODI could add another memorable chapter to his already legendary ODI caree.