Coach Lauds 'Brilliant' Innings

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli's coach Rajkumar Sharma praised his century against New Zealand in the third ODI, saying Kohli showed his top form and played brilliantly for India. Sharma added that Kohli's efforts were commendable, but too many wickets fell, preventing a series decider win.

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While speaking to ANI, Rajkumar Sharma said, "He played a brilliant innings yesterday and showed what kind of form he is in. Unfortunately, he couldn't win the match for India because too many wickets fell. The way he played for his team and country is commendable."

Kohli's Record-Breaking Century

While India failed to seal the ODI series win against New Zealand, Kohli slammed a valiant century, offering the Men in Blue and fans some hope and setting several records and milestones. Kohli scored an outstanding 108-ball 124 with 10 fours and three sixes. This is Virat's 85th international century, and the chase for Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries continues. Also, this is Virat's 54th ODI ton, a record-extending one. This was his seventh ODI ton against New Zealand in 36 innings, the most by a batter against the Kiwis in the format. Also, his 10 centuries against NZ across all formats, including three in Tests, are the most by a batter against the Kiwis.

Surpasses Ricky Ponting

Also, he went past Australian icon Ricky Ponting (12,655 runs) for most runs in ODI cricket at number three. In 244 matches and innings at that spot, he has made 12,676 runs at an average of 61.53, with 47 centuries and 67 fifties and a best score of 183.

Match Summary: New Zealand Clinch Series

Coming to the match, New Zealand clinched their first-ever ODI series win in India with a 41-run win over the hosts in the third ODI in Indore. Centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137*) and Glenn Phillips (106) took NZ to 337/8, despite three wickets from Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.

An incredible lone warrior century from Kohli and his 99-run stand with lower-order batter Harshit Rana, who scored his maiden ODI fifty, went in vain as New Zealand downed the Men in Blue. (ANI)