'When he stays in fourth gear, God help you' - Shastri after Kohli's 74 guides India past New Zealand

At Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, Virat Kohli struck 74 runs from 51 deliveries to steer India to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the opening match of the five-game ODI series. The innings contained 13 fours and a single six as India successfully chased a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs, completing the pursuit in 22.4 overs. Kohli's performance came just a day before his 38th birthday.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri offered strong praise for Kohli's batting approach during the match. Speaking on Sony Sports, Shastri highlighted the quality and composure Kohli displayed while batting in challenging conditions at the venue.

"A 70 in conditions like these is worth a hundred. He never got ahead of himself throughout the innings. And when he stays in fourth gear like this, then God help you. When the youngsters in the dressing room watch him and how he still gets angry at getting out at 38, they'll understand they have work to do," Shastri said.

Shastri's assessment centred on Kohli's ability to manage pressure during the chase while maintaining his intensity. The former coach emphasised how Kohli's refusal to take unnecessary risks, combined with his aggressive intent when required, created a balance that proved decisive in the match situation.

Kohli's role in rotating the strike and finding quick singles against New Zealand's bowling attack was particularly noteworthy. Shastri highlighted how this approach eased the burden on his batting partner Shubman Gill at the other end.

"He also took a lot of pressure off Shubman Gill at the other end. He gets off strike so quickly that the pressure is on the bowler at all times. I've seen him for all those years and I can't tell you if he has batted better," Shastri said.

Kohli equals Ponting's New Zealand record

Kohli's unbeaten 74 at Eden Park marked a significant milestone in his ODI career against New Zealand. The innings took his run tally against the Black Caps to 1,971 runs, equalling Ricky Ponting's record for most runs scored in ODI cricket against New Zealand. Kohli achieved this milestone across 37 innings with an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, including 7 centuries and 11 half-centuries. Ponting accumulated the same 1,971 runs across 50 innings in 51 matches, averaging 45.83 with 6 centuries and 12 half-centuries.

Kohli surpasses Tendulkar in ODI chase runs

The Auckland knock also saw Kohli surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record as the leading run-scorer in ODI run chases. Tendulkar accumulated 8,720 runs across 242 innings while batting second in ODIs, averaging 42.33 with 17 centuries and 52 half-centuries. Kohli has now amassed 8,741 runs in 169 innings in ODI chases, averaging 66.21 with a strike rate of 95.03, along with 30 centuries and 46 half-centuries.

In successful ODI chases specifically, Kohli has scored 6,477 runs across 108 innings, averaging 89.95 with a strike rate exceeding 98. He has registered 25 centuries and 30 half-centuries in winning chases, with a highest score of 183 in such matches.