Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra praised Virat Kohli’s knock in the series opener against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday. The visitors registered a comprehensive five-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Chasing a DLS target of 143 runs, Kohli scored more than half of the runs in the run-chase, scoring 74 runs off just 51 balls. The pitch had extra bounce and seam movement for the pacers but Kohli batted at the top of his game to score 13 fours and a six.
Kohli completed his 80th ODI fifty off just 35 balls and also completed 13000 runs while batting at one down in the 50-over format.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “The run machine has become an intent machine. The way he is playing, the way he is expressing himself, it is a challenge to capture it in words. Because everyone else was stumbling and he was flying. Yes, it was a small total, but things can get a little tricky because of rain. There was some help for fast bowlers, but India has won the game and has taken a 1-0 lead.”
The renowned commentator hailed Kohli for playing with an aggressive approach in 2026 and reaping the rewards for his consistency.
He concluded, “Till 2025, his strike rate was 93.7. He used to hit a six every 94 balls. He used to run and run and make a lot of runs. But now look at this year. In 2026, the strike rate has become 120. He is hitting a six every 28th ball. From 94 to 28 balls, this is a huge change. This guy is absolutely stellar and he is rewinding the clock.”
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday.
