Indian batting star Virat Kohli etched his name deeper into the record books on Sunday after smashing a magnificent century during the third ODI against New Zealand in Indore. Although India suffered a series defeat, Kohli’s landmark knock stood out as a historic individual achievement in the 50-over format.
Kohli looked in sublime touch from the outset, reaching his hundred in just 91 balls, peppering the boundary with eight fours and two sixes. The innings marked his seventh ODI century against New Zealand, a record no other batter has achieved against the Kiwis in the format. With this effort, Kohli moved ahead of former Australia captain Ricky Pontingand India great Virender Sehwag, who both previously shared the record with six hundreds each.
BELIEVE! 🇮🇳#TeamIndia #INDvNZ #3rdODI @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/iDhHO2Bg7z— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2026
Legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya follow closely behind with five ODI centuries each against New Zealand. Kohli’s latest milestone further reinforces his dominance against one of international cricket’s most consistent bowling attacks.
A sight that never gets old, a sight we’re never tired of! 💯👑#ViratKohli’s 7th ODI century against New Zealand – most by any batter 🙌
Another run chase, another masterclass, and he knows the job is not done yet 🎯#INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/CixSjUFkhU pic.twitter.com/0qf8wSXfVW— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 18, 2026
However, Kohli’s breathtaking 124 off 108 balls ultimately came in a losing cause. Chasing a daunting target of 338, India were rocked early and slipped to 71 for four, leaving the middle order under immense pressure. Kohli held the innings together with trademark composure, while Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52) provided valuable support lower down the order.
Despite the resistance, India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, handing New Zealand a 41-run victory and a 2–1 series win. The Kiwi bowling attack was led by Zak Foulkes (3/77) and Kristian Clarke (3/54), who shared six wickets, while young spinner Jayden Lennox impressed with figures of 2/42.
Earlier, New Zealand posted an imposing 337 for eight, built on two commanding centuries. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a superb 137, while Glenn Phillips provided explosive support with a 106, overpowering the Indian bowling attack in the latter stages.
Kohli’s century also extended his record across formats, taking him to 10 hundreds against New Zealand, the most by any batter in international cricket. He now sits ahead of icons such as Jacques Kallis, Joe Root, and Tendulkar on that list.
While the series result will disappoint Indian fans, Kohli’s historic ton once again underlined his unmatched consistency and appetite for big moments. Even in defeat, the former India captain proved why he remains one of the most prolific run-scorers of the modern era.
