The second ODI between India and New Zealand is shaping up to be more than just another match, especially for Virat Kohli. With India already leading the three-match ODI series 1-0, the Rajkot encounter presents the former Indian captain with a golden opportunity to rewrite the record books and add more milestones to his illustrious career.
India Takes Early Lead in the ODI Series
The ODI series started in style for India in Vadodara, with them securing a convincing four-wicket win against New Zealand. Virat Kohli not only contributed with an important knock of 93 runs in just 91 deliveries in the victory but also took the Player of the Match award, his 45th in ODIs, securing his influence in the format.
Virat Kohli’s Red-Hot Form Ahead of Second ODI
Coming into the Rajkot ODI, Virat Kohli is in scintillating form. He scored 302 runs in three matches against South Africa, followed by 208 in two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His knock of 93 in Vadodara was also special, as he achieved the feat of 28,000 international runs, moving ahead of Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
3 Major Records Virat Kohli Can Break in the Second ODI
1. Most ODI Runs by an Indian Against New Zealand
Virat Kohli has now scored 1,750 runs in the ODI format against New Zealand, and with a mere run in the ODI between the two teams in Rajkot, Virat Kohli would become the leading run-getter in the ODI format by an Indian against the Kiwis. Kohli equalled the record with a knock in the first ODI.
2. Most ODI Centuries Against New Zealand by an Indian
Talking about centuries, Virat Kohli is currently joint with the same number of centuries as Virender Sehwag for the most ODI centuries against New Zealand, with six centuries. One more century in the second ODI would help him surpass the record of Sehwag.
3. Most International Centuries Against New Zealand
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Internationally, Kohli is level with cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Joe Root, who all have nine centuries against the Kiwis. A century in Rajkot would take Kohli to 10 international tons, making him the most prolific centurion overall against New Zealand.
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