A rare display of frustration in deciding a series 3rd ODI vs New Zealand, Virat Kohli was seen kicking the air screaming in anger after an uncharacteristic fumble in the field.
Known for maintaining elite standards of athleticism at 37, Kohli’s high-intensity personality was on full display at the Holkar Stadium after a schoolboy error allowed the Kiwis a single run. This display of emotion showcased the high stakes of the Indore decider as India struggled to gain momentum against the stalwart Daryl Mitchell.
Virat Kohli loses the ball after an unusual jam in Indore
The tipping point came during the New Zealand innings, when a routine collection turned into a series of flurries that left Kohli visibly frustrated. Kohli attacked with his usual aggressiveness as the ball rolled towards him at short, but failed to collect the ball cleanly, allowing the ball to slip away repeatedly as the batsmen completed a comfortable single. Angered by the lack of discipline in his proceedings, Kohli let out a scream of frustration and kicked the air in a football-style move, a reaction that underscored his relentless commitment to excellence despite his veteran status.
This schoolboy error of failing to get his body behind the ball under pressure was particularly bad for Kohli given India’s collective struggles against a sloppy field in the previous match in Rajkot. Although the mistake resulted in just one run, Kohli’s animated reaction served as a wake-up call for the inner circle and even highlighted the legend’s refusal to accept mediocrity on the field. His ability to adhere to the same exacting standards as a debutant is what continues to define his legacy in 2026 and proves that the fire inside King Kohli still burns with the same intensity.
We present the video:
Virat Kohli looks dejected after losing.
His commitment to the game 🙌🏻🔥pic.twitter.com/Bmc2MBmyEj
— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) January 18, 2026
Also READ: Fans erupt as Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips hit crazy centuries in IND vs NZ 3rd ODI.
With Kohli taking center stage, India face a mammoth 338-run chase
After India started their 338-run chase, the third ODI reached its most critical juncture, a task that fell heavily on Kohli’s shoulders. Follows Rohit Sharma‘s departure for just 11, Kohli announced his arrival with a sensational six off deep mid-wicket Zachary Foulkesthis indicates an intention to anchor a massive pursuit.
The task is enormous; India need to maintain the required run rate of around seven per ann against the towering New Zealand attack Kyle Jamiesonalready producing significant bounce and movement under lights. Middle-order depth as the match was 45/2 at 7 after Gill’s sudden departure Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will be tested like never before.
Kohli, who is currently in the limelight, knows that a record-breaking performance is required to prevent New Zealand from claiming their first ODI series win on Indian soil. The Holkar track remains a batting paradise, but with the pressure of a series finale and the weight of a 330-plus score, India’s journey to the trophy will require nothing less than a Kohli masterclass.
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