Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has described Virat Kohli as the greatest white-ball cricketer of all time, following the batter's impressive performance against New Zealand in the first ODI in Auckland on November 4.
Kohli scored 74 runs off just 51 deliveries, hitting 13 boundaries and a six at Eden Park. His commanding innings helped India recover after Rohit Sharma's early dismissal and build a 113-run partnership with Shubman Gill for the second wicket.
New Zealand had been bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs, but their bowlers initially found assistance from the surface. While several Indian batters struggled with the bounce and movement, Kohli appeared comfortable and controlled the chase.
Speaking to Sony Sports, Shastri described the innings as one of Kohli's finest performances in recent years.
He praised the batter's fluency and authority, saying that Kohli had taken batting to another level despite the challenging conditions.
How Kohli Dominated New Zealand in Auckland
Kohli began cautiously as New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson used his height to extract extra bounce. He was 29 off 27 deliveries before the second rain interruption in India's chase.
After play resumed, Kohli accelerated, completing his half-century in 35 balls and putting pressure on the New Zealand attack.
Blair Tickner faced particular punishment during the acceleration. Kohli struck him for a six and later responded to a series of short-pitched deliveries by finding the boundary three times in the same over.
Shastri also highlighted Kohli's running between the wickets and his ability to target deliveries early in an over.
According to the former India coach, Kohli's approach keeps bowlers under pressure because he combines boundaries with quick singles and doubles, rarely allowing them to settle into a rhythm.
Ravi Shastri Backs Kohli's Ability to Play Test Cricket
Shastri also expressed confidence that Kohli remains capable of performing in Test cricket, despite retiring from the format in May 2025.
The former coach pointed to Kohli's exceptional fitness, work ethic and consistency as reasons why he could still compete at the highest level in the longest format.
He said international players would welcome Kohli's return to Test cricket and argued that his physical conditioning allows him to maintain high standards without appearing to make extraordinary efforts.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris also expressed disappointment over Kohli's Test retirement. He said the batter remained among the world's best despite concentrating on one international format.
Kohli Continues Strong Run in 2026
Kohli has enjoyed an impressive ODI season, with 626 runs from 10 matches in 2026 at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61, according to the figures provided.
His performance in Auckland has further strengthened expectations ahead of the remaining matches of the New Zealand tour.
The second ODI is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Saturday, November 7. Kohli will also have three home ODIs against Sri Lanka later in the year, offering further opportunities to extend his run-scoring record.
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