The innings was notable for its aggressive intent, as Kohli cleared the boundary nine times—the highest number of sixes he has recorded in a single ODI innings. This performance marked his 55th century in the format and brought his total international tally to 86. Former teammate
The Power of Self-Imposed Pressure
Speaking on his approach to the game, Rahane highlighted that Kohli’s consistency over the years is intrinsically linked to the high standards he sets for himself. According to Rahane, the former captain performs at his peak when he places himself under pressure, as this internal drive has been a hallmark of his career. Rahane dismissed the notion that focusing on such a significant milestone is inherently selfish, arguing instead that it serves as a catalyst for Kohli’s success.
Rahane also pointed to the influence of Sachin Tendulkar, the only player to have previously reached the 100-century mark. Given that Tendulkar is a role model for Kohli, Rahane suggested that it is natural for the current star to keep that target in mind. He emphasized that if any player possesses the capability to reach such a figure, it is Kohli, provided he balances that ambition with the enjoyment of the game.
A Shift in Tactical Approach
Since retiring from Test cricket, Kohli has adopted a noticeably more aggressive strategy in the ODI format. Rather than opting for a traditional period of settling in, he has demonstrated a willingness to take calculated risks from the outset of his innings. Statistical trends reflect this shift; his strike rate during the first 10 balls of an innings has risen from just over 72 before 2025 to beyond 100 in recent appearances.
This tactical evolution, which first became apparent during the series against South Africa, has been a key feature of his recent batting displays. With Kohli now focusing exclusively on
