Indore, Jan 19 (NationPress) Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar asserts that Virat Kohli’s most remarkable asset is his capacity to be free from external pressures and perform based on the circumstances after the iconic batsman achieved his century in the third ODI against New Zealand.

Despite Kohli's 54th ODI century, India was unable to secure victory as New Zealand capitalized on superb innings from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.

“What stands out about Virat is that he is not confined to a particular image. Many athletes succumb to the pressure of public expectations, but Virat plays to the demands of the game. His focus is solely on scoring runs,” Gavaskar shared with Jio Star.

“At times, he begins cautiously before accelerating; other times, he attacks from the outset and then adjusts his strategy. He isn’t restricted by how he should perform based on public perception. His adaptability is crucial,” he added.

Gavaskar also commented on the Indian team's defeat, noting that their struggles originated from a rocky start throughout the series. “Once New Zealand posted over 300 runs, it became a steep challenge. A target of around 290 could have been manageable, but early wickets, including that of KL Rahul, who was in fine form, made it difficult,” he explained.

“Without significant support for Virat, the task was always daunting, and he received very little assistance. As the saying goes, a good start is half the battle won. India’s poor beginnings were a major reason for their inability to chase the scores,” he added.

He commended all-rounder Harshit Rana for his contributions towards the end, stating that the young player exhibited clarity in his role. “He approached his batting just as a lower-order player should, without fear or expectations. He understood his job was to take swings, and whether it succeeded or not was secondary,” he mentioned.

Gavaskar also highlighted the invaluable experience young players gain by batting alongside a legend like Kohli. “To share the crease with a player of Virat Kohli's stature is a privilege. When such icons offer encouragement after an over, those moments become cherished memories,” he concluded.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull praised the visiting team for their composure and depth, calling their series victory a testament to New Zealand’s robust development system.

“This performance is exceptional. Players like Jayden Lennox and Kristian Clarke stepped up on their debut tour in challenging conditions, showcasing the strength of New Zealand’s player development pathways. Winning seven ODI series consecutively in India is no small feat, and these players have achieved what many have not. It’s a remarkable accomplishment,” he remarked.