NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli carried forward his sublime form from Ranchi into Raipur, crafting a stylish 76th ODI fifty. Coming off an unbeaten 74 and a masterful 135 in the last two matches, Kohli once again showed why he remains a backbone of India’s batting lineup.
The ongoing streak is part of Kohli’s remarkable consistency in ODIs. He has now achieved 13 different streaks of three or more consecutive innings of 50-plus scores, a record that highlights his dominance over the years. To put it in perspective:
--Virat Kohli - 13 times, three consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs
--Rohit Sharma – 11 times, three consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs
--Sachin Tendulkar – 10 times, three consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs
Kohli’s innings in Raipur has already set the tone for India’s innings. Alongside him, Ruturaj Gaikwad reached his second ODI fifty, forming a century partnership that has strengthened India’s position.
The pitch at Raipur isn’t as flat as in Ranchi but still offers ample opportunity for strokeplay. Both Kohli and Gaikwad have shown intent and composure, eyeing a big total.
Kohli's grand comeback in ODIs
Kohli, who had retired from T20Is and Test cricket, returned to international cricket earlier this year against Australia. He began in shaky fashion with two consecutive ducks in the first two matches, but in the third ODI in Sydney, he rediscovered his rhythm with an unbeaten 74. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
In Ranchi, he produced a masterful 135 off just 120 deliveries, and now in the second ODI in Raipur, he is eyeing his 53rd ODI century. With so much batting still to come, India look well poised to capitalise and push for a commanding score.
