On Sunday, January 18, India lost the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, sparking outrage on social media. The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore hosted the pivotal third ODI. New Zealand won by 41 runs, taking the series 2-1. The Kiwis won their first ODI series on home turf.
Virat Kohli was the hero of the show on Sunday, smashing a defiant tonne.
Despite their best efforts, the Men in Blue were unable to achieve the astonishing aim of 338.
Following the series setback, a group of enraged Kohli fans went so far as to trash the makers of the SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) ball on social media. They blamed the ball for the great cricketer’s misfielding.
Notably, in one of the overs, the ball rolled towards Kohli, who attempted to pick it up in one motion but fumbled many times. The video demonstrated Kohli’s dedication and commitment to the game, as the former India captain was unhappy and frustrated with himself for the fielding error.
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The Indian top-order batter also kicked his leg in the air in anger, as he knew that he had the chance to stop a single.
Kohli continued his purple patch in ODI cricket during the series against the Kiwis. He was the highest run-getter for India, smashing 240 runs in three innings at an average of 80. Only Daryl Mitchell (352) scored more runs than him.
In the first match, Kohli scored a fluent 93 off 91 balls at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. The 37-year-old missed out with the bat in the second ODI as he couldn’t convert his start. The stalwart made 23 off 29 balls before being dismissed. In the third ODI, India believed a miracle could happen as long as he was at the crease. However, Kohli was dismissed by Kristian Clarke for a remarkable 108-ball 124.
![[WATCH] IND vs NZ 2026: Virat Kohli gifts signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell after third ODI](https://cricketmood.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kohli-Mitchell.jpg "[WATCH] IND vs NZ 2026: Virat Kohli gifts signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell after third ODI 4")
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