Virat Kohli’s childhood coach explains why century wasn’t enough in 3rd ODI vs New Zealand

India's batting great Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, lavished praise on his century against New Zealand in the third ODI. Kohli, who already retired from Tests and T20Is, smashed his 85th international century in the series decided against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Rajkumar Sharma on Virat Kohli's century

Rajkumar said that Kohli showed his top form and played brilliantly for India, but too many wickets fell, preventing a series decider win.

"He played a brilliant innings yesterday and showed what kind of form he is in. Unfortunately, he couldn't win the match for India because too many wickets fell. The way he played for his team and country is commendable," Rajkumar Sharma told ANI.

Virat Kohli breaks a plethora of records during the third ODI vs New Zealand

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India failed to win the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but Kohli slammed a valiant century, offering the Shubman Gill-led side and fans some hope and setting several records and milestones.

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Kohli scored an outstanding 124-run knock, including 10 fours and three sixes. This was Virat's 54 ODI century and the seventh ton against New Zealand in 36 outings, which is the most by a batter against the Kiwis in the format. Also, his 10 centuries against NZ across all formats, including three in Tests, are the most by a batter against the Kiwis.

The chase master also went past Australian icon Ricky Ponting (12,655 runs) for most runs in ODI cricket at number three. In 244 matches and innings at that spot, he has made 12,676 runs at an average of 61.53, with 47 centuries and 67 fifties and a best score of 183.

India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI

After being asked to bat, New Zealand were off to a poor start, but centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137*) and Glenn Phillips (106) took NZ to 337/8. While chasing, India also failed to get a good start after a batting collapse. Virat Kohli tried to shift the momentum of the game with his century and a 99-run stand with lower-order batter Harshit Rana, who also scored his maiden ODI fifty. However, their efforts went in vain as New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs