NZ ODI: India Win, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Strike Records

VADODARA – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma marked a historic day for Indian cricket on January 11 as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Kotambi International Stadium.

Chasing 301, India was anchored by half-centuries from Kohli and Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul contributing an unbeaten 29. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the series.

Rohit Sharma set the tone from the start, hitting a six in the first over and announcing his presence at the crease. During his brief stay, he became the first player in international cricket to hit 650 sixes. Rohit scored 26 off 29 balls before falling in the ninth over, leaving the stage to Kohli.

Kohli, batting at No. 3, carried India through the chase with authority. Needing just 25 runs to reach 28,000 international runs, he achieved the milestone with a boundary off New Zealand’s Adithya Ashok in the 13th over. Kohli reached the landmark in just 624 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 644 and becoming the fastest cricketer in history to 28,000 runs.

In doing so, Kohli also overtook Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. Tendulkar remains at the top with 34,357 runs. Kohli’s innings, which included boundaries and consistent scoring, highlighted his enduring form in the 50-over format.

Earlier, Shubman Gill provided a solid start alongside Rohit but was dismissed for 56 in the 27th over, handing the strike to Kohli. The duo’s performances emphasized India’s strong top order, with Kohli and Rohit once again leading the team’s batting charge in ODIs.

The Baroda Cricket Association honored Kohli and Rohit with a special tribute during the mid-innings break. Life-size images of the two cricketers were revealed as their names were called, earning applause and laughter from the nearly 35,000-strong crowd. The tribute added to the significance of the occasion, as it was the first-ever men’s ODI at the Kotambi Stadium.

Kohli’s innings also strengthened his career stats: prior to the match, he had scored 27,975 runs across 556 matches and 623 innings, including 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries, at an average of 52.58. Rohit’s milestone further cemented his reputation as one of the most prolific six-hitters in cricket history.

The two sides will now travel to Rajkot for the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on January 14. (IANS)