Even as the landscape of cricket shifts, one constant remains: the sheer dominance of Virat Kohli in the One Day International (ODI) format. During the high-stakes series opener between India and New Zealand on January 13, 2026, the "Run Machine" once again proved why he is considered the greatest chaser in the history of the sport.

Guiding India to a thrilling four-wicket victory, Kohli’s performance was a blend of tactical precision, physical fitness, and a legendary pre-batting routine that has recently gone viral.

The Secret Routine: How Kohli Prepares in Seconds

In the digital age, nothing escapes the lens of the "Stump Cam" or eagle-eyed fans in the stands. A video from the IND vs NZ series has recently surfaced, capturing the intense seconds before Kohli takes his guard.

Unlike many who seem nervous or fidgety, Kohli’s routine is a study in muscle memory and mental focus. The footage shows him performing a specific sequence of shadow-batting strokes, adjusting his gloves with rhythmic precision, and a momentary "stare-down" at the pitch to visualize his shots. This ritual, which takes less than 30 seconds, acts as a mental trigger, transitioning him from the dressing room calm to the "beast mode" required on the field. It is this disciplined preparation that allows him to find his rhythm from the very first ball.

Anchoring a 301-Run Chase

Chasing a formidable target of 301 is never an easy task, but Kohli made it look like a calculated mathematical exercise. He anchored the Indian innings with a fluent 93 off 91 deliveries.

His knock was devoid of unnecessary risks, focusing instead on hard running between the wickets and piercing the gaps with trademark cover drives. By the time he departed, India was within touching distance of the win, eventually securing a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Despite having stepped away from Test cricket and T20Is to manage his workload, his appetite for ODI runs appears completely undiminished.

Shattering Records: The Road to 28,000

While the victory was the primary goal, the match served as a backdrop for two monumental career milestones. During his 93-run stint, Kohli achieved the following:

• Fastest to 28,000 International Runs: Kohli became the quickest player in the history of the game to reach this staggering figure across all formats. He reached the milestone in significantly fewer innings than the legends who preceded him.

• Second All-Time Run Scorer: With this knock, he officially moved into the second spot on the list of all-time international run-scorers. By surpassing several iconic names, he now stands solitary behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
  Read Also: King of Expressions: Virat Kohli's 'Snake Charmer' Celebration Goes Viral After Shreyas Iyer's Catch
  Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!
  HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!