January 19, 2026 — Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has once again etched his name into the record books with a sensational century that has captured global attention. In the third and final India vs New Zealand ODI in Indore, Kohli’s powerful innings of 124 runs off 108 balls marked yet another milestone in his illustrious career, securing his 54th One Day International century.
Despite Kohli’s monumental effort, India fell short in a dramatic finish, with New Zealand emerging victorious to clinch a historic bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.
A Masterclass in Batting: The 54th ODI Century
Virat Kohli’s century came in a high-pressure chase, where India faced a formidable target of 338. Showing the trademark mix of grit and elegance, Kohli reached his hundred in 91 deliveries, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes.
This innings was more than just runs on the board — it was a statement of intent. Kohli now holds the most centuries against New Zealand (7) in ODI history, surpassing legends like Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag.
Veteran commentator Sunil Gavaskar praised Kohli’s adaptability and clarity of purpose, underscoring that the Indian great is “not tied down to one image” but focused on doing the job at hand — scoring runs.
Beyond Personal Glory: Records and Legacy
Kohli’s century tally now stands at an astronomical 85 international centuries across formats, bringing him closer to the iconic milestone of 100 — a feat previously achieved only by Sachin Tendulkar.
Coupled with his consistent run-scoring, Kohli has become one of the most prolific century-makers in modern cricket, cementing his legacy alongside the game’s all-time greats. His striking ability to pace an innings and perform under pressure has been pivotal to India’s batting framework for over a decade.
Century in Vain: A Rare but Defining Moment
Interestingly, Kohli’s majestic effort in Indore ended in a losing cause — a rarity in his ODI career where centuries almost always tilt the result in India’s favor. The heartbreak drew wide attention, with many hailing it as an example of Kohli’s warrior spirit even when team success remains elusive.
Still, fans packed Holkar Stadium to celebrate his innings, and Kohli’s performance was widely regarded as the highlight of the match.
What Comes Next? Century Race and Record Chase
With his current form, many analysts and fans are already debating whether Kohli can eventually reach — and potentially surpass — Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries. Some experts believe that Kohli’s focus will also be on major ICC tournaments and the 2027 ODI World Cup, where he could further add to his tally and legacy.
Whether it’s the sheer consistency of high-impact innings or the evolving narrative of modern batting greatness, Kohli’s century hunt continues to be one of the most compelling stories in world cricket.
In Summary
- Virat Kohli scored his 54th ODI century against New Zealand in Indore.
- The century was in vain as New Zealand sealed a historic ODI series win in India.
- He now leads with the most ODIs centuries against New Zealand (7).
- Kohli has 85 international centuries, inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record.
- Cricket legends praise his adaptability and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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Last Updated on: Monday, January 19, 2026 4:02 pm by Praneetha Kattamidi | Published by: Praneetha Kattamidi on Monday, January 19, 2026 4:02 pm | News Categories: Startups
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