Virat Kohli’s 54th ODI Hundred Wait Continues, but Red-Hot Form Sends Strong World Cup 2027 Message

Virat Kohli, India cricket team batter, was inches away from what would’ve been an absolutely well-deserved 54th ODI century in the match between IND and NZ being played in Vadodara. The third Indian batter was all set to register the third successive score above the triple figure mark in four successive innings, but was forced to return to the pavilion with an unbeaten knock of 93 runs, leaving the Indian team frustrated. Irrespective of the outcome, Virat Kohli’s mind-blowing performance in the 50-over game doesn’t go unnoticed and sends out an important message to the head coach and selection chairperson, respectively, in the form of Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar.

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Virat Kohli Batter

Virat Kohli (born Nov 5, 1988) is an Indian batting phenomenon, nicknamed "King Kohli," known for record-breaking runs, fitness, and leading India to major titles like the 2011 World Cup, known for his aggressive style, playing for India, Delhi, and RCB in IPL, holding records for ODI centuries (50+), fastest to numerous ODI milestones, winning ICC awards (Cricketer of the Decade), and married to actress Anushka Sharma, a true modern cricket legend.

Virat Kohli scored 93 runs off 91 balls, including 8 fours and one six, before he was given his marching orders. The former Indian captain played the role of the aggressor after coming to the crease following the dismissal of Rohit Sharma. He added 118 runs with Shubman Gill and then 77 runs with Shreyas Iyer before being dismissed.

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India Founded: 1926

The India National Cricket Team represents India in international cricket and is one of the strongest teams in the world.

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New Zealand Founded: 1894

The New Zealand cricket team, known as the Black Caps, is a competitive side in international cricket, having reached the finals of major tournaments such as the World Cup and the T20 World Cup.

It was the seventh time Kohli got out while remaining in the 90s. It was the last time he got out before reaching a three-figure score while remaining in the 90s when he faced the same opposition in the ODI World Cup in 2023 against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli had challenged himself to contradict the words of Agarkar when the latter stated that the former was non-committal for the ODI World Cup in the year 2027. Kohli had been in top form ever since the series against Australia, when he made a 74-run knock that followed two consecutive ducks for his scores. In the series that followed against South Africa, he scored 135, 102, and 65 runs respectively. Virat Kohli participated in the VHT 2025/26 for a couple of matches and scored 131 and 77 runs respectively.

Virat Kohli’s Nervous 90s in ODIs

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KL Rahul Holds Nerve as India Edge Past New Zealand to Take 1–0 ODI Series Lead KL Rahul finished the match in style.

by Dwijesh January 12, 2026