Virat Kohli’s brilliance once again lit up an ODI, but it wasn’t enough to save India from a rare and painful home series defeat. On Sunday, January 18, the former India captain produced a vintage hundred in the third ODI against New Zealand, only to watch his heroic effort go in vain as the hosts lost by 41 runs, conceding the three-match series 2-1.

New Zealand laid the foundation for their historic win through Daryl Mitchell, who continued his remarkable dominance against India. The right-hander followed up his previous century with another authoritative knock, smashing 137 off 131 deliveries. His innings, built on patience, power, and smart placement, propelled New Zealand to an imposing 337/8 after they were asked to bat first.

Daryl Mitchell’s consistency throughout the series stood out, and he finished as the leading run-scorer with 352 runs at a staggering average of 176, earning the Player of the Series award.

WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Respectful Push For Daryl Mitchell After Another Century

Chasing a daunting target, India leaned heavily on Kohli, who delivered a masterclass under pressure. His 124 off 108 balls was a blend of controlled aggression and calm assurance, featuring elegant drives, fearless pulls, and timely boundaries. As wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Kohli held the innings together almost single-handedly, refusing to let the chase drift away.

Virat Kohli gives his signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell during the post-match presentation.

A truly heart-warming gesture by King Kohli 👑❤️ pic.twitter.com/B1ktwKtgXM

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) January 19, 2026

However, the lack of support eventually caught up with India. Once Kohli fell late in the innings, the resistance collapsed swiftly, with the hosts bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.

Despite the disappointment, the post-match scenes captured the spirit of the game. Kohli walked over to the New Zealand camp, gifting his signed jersey to Mitchell and sharing a warm embrace—an acknowledgement of mutual respect between two outstanding performers.

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The defeat marked a historic first, as India had never previously lost a home ODI series to New Zealand. It was a sobering result, softened only by the sight of Kohli delivering yet another near-flawless innings in the face of adversity.