Virat Kohli etched his name in cricketing history with a magnificent century in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand in Indore on January 18, 2026. Although India lost the match and the series, Kohli's record-extending 54th ODI hundred and his 85th international century, was a masterclass in batting and a testament to his enduring brilliance.

Chasing a formidable target of 338, India found themselves in early trouble, slipping to 71 for four. Amidst the wickets tumbling around him, Kohli held the innings together, displaying remarkable composure and grit. He reached his century in 91 balls, decorated with 8 fours and 2 sixes. This was his seventh ODI century against New Zealand, the most by any batsman against the Kiwis. Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag trail him with six each.

Kohli also surpassed Ricky Ponting's tally of 12,655 runs to become the highest run-scorer at the number 3 position in ODIs, finishing the match with 12,662 runs.

Kohli forged a crucial 88-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who contributed a valuable 53, to revive India's chase. Later, he found another ally in Harshit Rana, as the pair refused to surrender, hitting big shots and keeping India in the hunt. Kohli's innings was a blend of calculated aggression and masterful control, as he shifted gears to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Despite Kohli's heroics, the target proved too steep. India were eventually bundled out for 296, losing the match by 41 runs and conceding the series 2-1 to New Zealand. This marks New Zealand's first-ever ODI series win over India on Indian soil. Earlier in the match, Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) had struck centuries for New Zealand, propelling them to a competitive total of 337 for eight. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana took three wickets each for India.

While the result was disappointing for the home side, Kohli's magnificent century will be remembered as a special innings. It was a testament to his enduring class and unwavering commitment to the Indian team.