Kohli Playfully Pushes Mitchell Out After World No. 1 Loss

In a light-hearted moment that captured cricket fans’ hearts, Virat Kohli playfully pushed New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell out of the boundary line during the third ODI between India and New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18. The Indian cricket legend’s witty act went viral on social media, showcasing his sportsmanship as Mitchell departed after an extraordinary innings of 137 runs off 131 balls.

Mitchell’s Match-Winning Performance

Mitchell’s outstanding knock proved decisive in New Zealand’s quest to win an ODI series on Indian soil for the first time. Walking out with his team at 5-2, the 34-year-old steadied the ship and guided the Black Caps to a commanding total of 337. This performance was particularly significant as it effectively ended Kohli’s brief reign at the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings. The 37-year-old Indian star, who had regained the No. 1 spot just four weeks earlier, will relinquish it again when the latest rankings are published on January 21.

Record-Breaking Series Performance

Mitchell’s brilliant display capped off an outstanding series where he amassed 352 runs across three matches at an extraordinary average of 176. The New Zealand batter scored two centuries and a half-century, including an unbeaten 131 in the second ODI that secured a seven-wicket victory. Kohli’s dismissal for 23 runs in that same match had already weakened his ranking prospects, making Mitchell’s continued dominance virtually insurmountable. The viral moment between the two batsmen perfectly encapsulated the respect and camaraderie inherent in international cricket.