Virat Kohli hits hundred in India to draw New Zealand into ODIs: Cheteshwar Pujara

Virat Kohli’s recent form has raised expectations ahead of India’s ODI series against New Zealand, with former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara backing the star to score at least one century during the five-match series.

Kohli has been in prolific form in ODIs, scoring 854 runs at a strike rate of 117.63 in his last 12 innings. His last outstanding performance came against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram where he smashed 139 off just 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes.

The 37-year-old also spoke about taking his game to another level at this stage in his career, saying he wanted to play a notch or two higher. His aggressive approach has drawn praise from former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who believes Kohli plays with more freedom and relies more on instinct.

Speaking to Star Sports, Pujara believes Kohli’s position at No.3 gives him a better chance of reaching three figures in New Zealand than Rohit Sharma, whose role as an opener could change in the conditions there.

“The way Rohit bats, he has to give good starts in the overs. In New Zealand, that role might change so he could go for a century. But for Virat, the chances are a bit higher because he bats at number three. His game is more about playing the anchor role,” Pujara said.

“It’s a bit easier for a batsman coming in at number three to score a century in the ODI format. The opener’s role is also defined but it changes a bit in New Zealand conditions. So I feel Virat has more chances to score a hundred in New Zealand than Rohit.”

WHAT IS PUJARA SERIES PREDICTION?

India are all set to play five ODIs against New Zealand, with the series starting on November 4. Pujara expects the match to be close but has predicted a 2-2 draw, with one match likely to be abandoned due to rain.

He believes India will have an advantage in the first three matches but expects the last two matches to be more challenging due to changes in the Indian team.

“Two all. In the first three matches one team is playing and in the last two matches another Indian team will be playing. So I think New Zealand has a slight advantage because you are not playing the same team in all the five matches,” Pujara said.

“I’m still rooting for the Indian team in the first three games because I feel they will do well. The last two games could be a bit of a challenge but it will be a hard-fought series. And it’s raining in New Zealand so probably one game will be a bummer.”

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