As Virat Kohli won Player of the Match for his 135 in the 1st ODI vs SA, mid-day digs deep to find that he and Rohit Sharma have bagged six POTM awards between them in the 12 ODIs India played this year. Here’s how they did it
India's Virat Kohli (L) and Rohit Sharma gesture during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. Pic/AFP
vs England in Cuttack (February)
POTM: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma entered the second ODI against England under pressure, having flopped (2 off 7 balls) in the first ODI. But he didn’t let that affect his batting as he led from the front, silencing critics with a dazzling 119 off just 90 balls. His innings, studded with 12 fours and seven towering sixes, ensured India comfortably chased England’s 304 all out with four wickets and over five overs to spare to seal the series.
vs Pakistan in Dubai (February)
POTM: Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has enjoyed dominating Pakistan, and this ICC Champions Trophy league match was no different. Chasing a modest 242, he made fans double happy by hitting the winning boundary to bring up his 51st ODI century and seal India’s commanding six-wicket win with 45 balls to spare. His unbeaten 100 off 111 balls featured seven fours.
vs Australia in Dubai (March)
POTM: Virat Kohli
Kohli put on a masterclass to anchor India’s innings in a tricky chase against Australia in the crucial ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. Chasing a competitive 265, he walked in after Gill fell for just eight. The batting icon produced a composed yet dominant knock of 84 off 98 balls, rotating the strike perfectly and absorbing the pressure to ensure the required run rate never drifted out of India’s hands. Kohli’s masterful innings provided the perfect foundation for India’s four-wicket victory.
vs New Zealand in Dubai (March)
POTM: Rohit Sharma
Captain Rohit showed his class when it mattered most, helping India beat New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Chasing 252, Rohit set the platform with a commanding 105-run stand with opener Shubman Gill (31). He blazed to his half-century off just 41 balls to take the pressure off Gill, who was struggling with 10 off 20 balls. Rohit’s leadership and big-match temperament came shining through as his 76 off 83 balls proved pivotal when the chase became tense in the middle overs before India emerged champions.
vs Australia in Sydney (October)
POTM: Rohit Sharma
Despite India having lost the series, the third inconsequential ODI against Australia was a happy moment for Rohit and Kohli fans, who witnessed a century stand between the two after a long time. Chasing Australia’s 236, opener Rohit anchored the innings with a magnificent, unbeaten 121 off 125 balls. His 33rd ODI ton was laced with 13 fours and three sixes. He shared an unbroken 168-run partnership with Kohli (74*) to ensure India cruised to a comfortable nine-wicket win and avoided a series whitewash.
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