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Virat Kohli’s 124 off 108 showcased grit but India fell short chasing 338. Indian captain Shubman Gill said having Kohli on board is at all times a giant positive for the team.
Shubman Gill speaks about Virat Kohli’s knock within the third ODI vs Recent Zealand in Indore
Virat Kohli’s 54th ODI hundred may not have been enough to hold India over the finish line on Sunday evening but it surely was a classic example of control under extreme pressure. Chasing a frightening 338, Kohli absorbed the early blows, steadied a collapsing innings and carried India’s hopes almost single-handedly with a resolute 124 off 108 balls
At the same time as wickets kept falling at the opposite end, Kohli remained composed, lifting the tempo without losing shape. The century, his 54th in ODIs, not only drew a standing ovation in Indore but additionally massive praise from young captain Shubman Gill.
Speaking on the post-match presentation ceremony, Gill said having Kohli on board is at all times a giant positive for the team.
“The best way Virat is batting is at all times a plus. The best way Harshit has batted on this series, batting at No. 8 just isn’t easy. The best way he stepped up and the way in which the fast bowlers bowled on this series was good as well,” Gill said.
India had slumped to 71 for 4 in reply, and despite half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and Rana (52), the hosts fell way short on what largely remained a batting-friendly pitch with small boundaries on the Holkar Stadium.
“After the primary match, coming here 1-1, the way in which we played, (we’re) disenchanted. There are areas we’d like to look back, reflect and do higher,” the Indian skipper said.
Recent Zealand bounced back from early setbacks to post a formidable 337 for eight, powered by a decisive 219-run fourth-wicket stand between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Mitchell anchored the innings with a composed 137, while Phillips injected pace with a fluent 106 after the visitors were reduced to 58 for 3.
In reply, India’s chase faltered early as wickets fell, leaving them at 71 for 4. Virat Kohli fought a lone battle with a resolute 124 off 108 balls to maintain hopes alive. Temporary support from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana followed, however the rising required rate proved decisive. India were eventually bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, as Recent Zealand held their nerve to finish a historic series win in India.
Indore, India, India
January 18, 2026, 23:41 IST
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