Virat Kohli 124 in vain as India hit new low, lose ODI series by 41-run against New Zealand

Seventeen ODI assignments in India, including four World Cups and a Champions Trophy — yet New Zealand had never laid their hands on a trophy on Indian soil. On Sunday, the Blackcaps once again showed they were far from pushovers, registering a statement 41-run win in Indore to seal a historic 2-1 series victory against India.

Daryl Mitchell’s 137 and Glenn Phillips’ 106, along with their record fourth-wicket partnership of 219, powered New Zealand to a mammoth 337 for eight in 50 overs. India faltered in the chase as early wickets derailed their momentum, with the Blackcaps’ bowlers delivering disciplined performances — a trait they showcased consistently throughout the series.

For India, Virat Kohli waged a lone battle with an exceptional 124 off 108 balls, but wickets kept tumbling around him, barring Nitish Kumar Reddy. It marked a new low for the hosts, as this was their first home series loss since 2019, when Australia had beaten them.

When the Indian chase began with a boundary off Rohit Sharma’s bat, fans expected a high-scoring pursuit with minimal drama. Given Holkar Stadium’s reputation for big totals, the belief was that India would cruise to the target.

However, one recurring theme throughout the series — particularly among India’s batters — was the tendency to repeat mistakes. Once New Zealand tightened their lines and lengths, Rohit appeared to go into his shell, and his dismissal mirrored the manner in which he had fallen in the previous two games.

Attempting to break free, Rohit ballooned a delivery to Kristian Clarke, leaving India at 28 for one inside four overs. Shubman Gill, who had shown good form with two fifties in the previous matches, once again succumbed to his issues against Kyle Jamieson’s in-swingers.

The New Zealand pacer dismissed Gill for the fourth time in ODIs — the third instance of him being bowled in similar fashion — as India slipped to 45 for two within seven overs. Kohli, determined to make amends after his failure in Rajkot, began with a sublime six off Foulkes.

Encouragingly, Kohli was cautious while attempting runs down to third man — an area that had troubled him previously, often resulting in inside edges onto the stumps. Despite that correction, Shreyas Iyer departed in a familiar fashion, just as he had in Rajkot. It was also the second time Kristian Clarke had dismissed the Indian vice-captain.

When KL



Rahul, India’s saviour in earlier games, fell for just three in the 12th over, the hosts appeared to be staring at a rare defeat. The concern wasn’t merely the wickets, but the lack of visible corrections in approach.

At 71 for four, Nitish Kumar Reddy joined Kohli at the crease. Kohli briefed the all-rounder on the situation — the message was simple: replicate what Mitchell and Phillips had done earlier.

The pair kept the scoreboard moving with singles and the occasional boundary, though New Zealand’s bowling ensured those came at a premium. With Michael Bracewell injured and off the field, Mitchell was forced to captain and find a fifth bowling option.

This proved to be the moment when Kohli gave Nitish the license to attack. The youngster responded with a six off Foulkes and continued to target the bowlers, bringing up his maiden ODI fifty. At the halfway mark, India were still ahead of New Zealand’s score.

Disaster struck soon after. Nitish attempted to pull one out of the ground but was caught at short mid-wicket, ending an 88-run partnership. Ravindra Jadeja followed, continuing his poor run of form by holing out while attacking Jaydon Lennox.

By then, excitement inside the Holkar Stadium had dwindled, with Kohli the lone source of hope. Harshit Rana, despite facing criticism over recent months, showed he could contribute with the bat.

Intent on staking his claim as a future No.7 all-rounder, Harshit backed himself. At 178 for six, he was once again used to shield Kohli, who was orchestrating the chase.

Harshit began with a slog but focused on rotating the strike and picking his moments. His big hitting eased the pressure, allowing Kohli to shift gears as he raced into the 90s with a six and a boundary.

As Kohli brought up his 54th international hundred, Harshit continued to find boundaries. The duo took on Jamieson, plundering 21 runs from the 43rd over. Harshit smashed four fours and four sixes en route to an impressive maiden fifty, which he sealed with a maximum.

But just as hope flickered, disaster struck again. Harshit fell, followed by Mohammed Siraj for a duck.

With 61 runs still needed and Kohli stranded, the lack of support proved decisive. Kohli managed a couple of boundaries before eventually falling. Fittingly, it was Glenn Phillips who ran out Kuldeep Yadav to seal the win and spark New Zealand’s celebrations.