Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma demonstrated outstanding fielding in the India versus New Zealand match

During the first ODI match between India and New Zealand, held at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, Virat Kohli set a significant record. The Indian 'run-scoring machine' Virat Kohli reached a historic milestone that no great cricketer in history has managed to achieve, scoring just 12 runs against the Kiwi bowlers.

The number three position in ODIs is considered one of the most difficult and important batting positions. By occupying this spot, Virat Kohli became the first and only player in ODI history to cross the 13,000-run barrier. He needed only 12 runs to reach this momentous mark, and when he completed his twelfth run, the entire Eden Park stadium erupted in applause.

While chasing a target of 186 runs, when Virat completed his twelfth run on the thirteenth ball, he became the first and only player in ODIs to score 13,000 runs at number three. Currently, former Australian great captain Ricky Ponting is second in this ranking with 12,662 runs. Kohli and Ponting are the only players in ODI history to have scored over 10,000 runs at number three.

Kohli reached this mark while maintaining an average of 61.55 and an impressive strike rate of 95.4 while playing at number three. At this position, he has registered 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries.

Furthermore, Virat Kohli is approaching the record of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 15,310 runs batting at the top order. He continues to increase his lead by scoring over 13,000 runs at number three.

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has formed his Indian squad for Test matches, but the absence of two big names surprised cricket fans. It was noted that Rahane included players with whom he shared a dressing room.

Ajinkya Rahane has played for the Indian team in Tests multiple times, playing alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, and also strengthening India's attack in Tests with Cheteshwar Pujara. Nevertheless, the exclusion of Kohli and Bumrah from his chosen team became a subject of wide discussion.

In Rahane's squad, Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan are responsible for opening the match. Rahul Dravid is placed third, and Sachin Tendulkar is fourth. Rahane himself chose the fifth position. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was appointed captain and wicketkeeper. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja participate in the spin department, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma are responsible for fast bowling.

One possible reason for Virat Kohli's absence from the team may be related to the batting order. Ajinkya Rahane placed the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar at the fourth position, although King Kohli also played at this position in Tests. Rahane did not explain the reasons for this choice.

The decision to exclude Bum-Boom Bumrah is also considered shocking. Despite him bringing several memorable victories to India due to his high speed and accuracy in Test bowling, Ajinkya Rahane chose Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma for fast bowling.

Ajinkya Rahane's Alltime India Test XI lineup is as follows: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain/wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma.

At the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on October 23, 2022, the Indian team faced the Pakistani team in a T20 World Cup match. Despite India losing four batsmen with a score of 31 runs, Virat Kohli refused to give up.

Kohli, along with Hardik Pandya, formed a fifth-wicket partnership, scoring 113 runs. During this impressive partnership, the match was in a critical situation as 28 runs were needed in the last eight balls. At that time, Virat Kohli hit two sixes, which completely changed the course of the game.

The second-to-last over was bowled by fast bowler Haris Rauf. In this over, Virat Kohli hit a six by stepping back, which surprised the spectators. On the next ball, he hit another six over the fine leg. 12 runs were scored in two balls, and India's hopes were revived.

In the final over, India needed 16 runs to win. On the first ball of the over, Hardik Pandya was dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz. Then, three runs were scored in the next two balls. The following ball was a no-ball due to height, which Virat Kohli sent for a six. Kohli was dismissed by a bowl on the free hit, but the ball hit the stump and went towards the third position, and the Indian batsmen ran three runs.

After this, Dinesh Karthik was dismissed stumped while trying to hit a big shot on the fifth ball of the 20th over. India now needed only two runs to win, and Ravichandran Ashwin came onto the field. Mohammad Nawaz's next ball landed outside the legal stump, and the umpire called it a wide. This leveled the score for India.

Only one run remained to win. Ravichandran Ashwin remained calm under pressure and won the match for India by 4 runs, hitting the ball over the fielders on the last ball.

Virat Kohli scored 82 runs off 53 balls without getting out, including six fours and four sixes. For this outstanding performance, he was awarded the 'Player of the Match' award.