Virat Kohli.
Credit: PTI Photo
Virat Kohli produced another match-winning knock in a run-chase when he eased his way to 93 off 91 balls against New Zealand in the first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday.
Chasing 301 to win, Kohli anchored India's innings before the hosts overcame a collapse and a few nervy moments to complete a four-wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The near-flawless knock earned him the Player of the Match award, his 44th in ODIs and 70th in international cricket.
What does Kohli do with his awards?
During the post-match interview with commentator Harsha Bhogle, the former captain revealed that he had no idea how many awards he has won, adding that he sends them to his mother.
"Honestly, I have no idea. I send it to my mum in Gurgaon, she likes to keep them."
Reflecting on his impressive career so far, Kohli said, "If I look back at my whole journey, then it is nothing short of a dream come true for me. I have always known my abilities, and I have worked a lot for where I am today. God has blessed me with way too much, and I have a lot of gratitude in my heart, I feel proud."
'Not thinking about milestones'
While the 37-year-old led India to win, he missed his 85th international century by just seven runs. However, Kohli said it did not matter to him.
"If I am being brutally honest, then I am not thinking about the milestones. I would have gone hard if we were batting first, the experience does matter. The only thing was to get the team into a good position in the chase," he said
With 70 Player of the Match awards, including 10 in Tests, 44 in ODis and 16 in T20Is, Kohli is only six behind Sachin Tendulkar's record of 76 such awards.
On Sunday, India had a few nervy moments once Kohli was dismissed, losing three more wickets in quick succession, before Harshit Rana played a crucial knock, while KL Rahul finished the chase with an over to spare.