IND vs NZ ODI / Virat Kohli's Heartfelt Gesture: Why He Dedicates 'Player of the Match' Awards to His Mother

In a thrilling encounter in Vadodara, the Indian cricket team secured a 4-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first One Day International, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The architect of this crucial win was none other than former Indian. Captain, Virat Kohli, whose exceptional batting performance guided the team to triumph. Kohli played a magnificent innings of 93 runs off just. 91 balls, featuring a blend of elegant strokes and powerful hitting. This knock was particularly vital in chasing down a challenging target of 301 runs,. And for his match-winning effort, he was deservedly named the 'Player of the Match'.

Kohli's 71st International 'Player of the Match' Accolade

This 'Player of the Match' award against New Zealand marked a significant milestone. For Virat Kohli, as it was his 71st such award in international cricket. On top of that, it was his 45th 'Player of the Match' award in One Day Internationals alone, underscoring his consistent match-winning contributions in the format. With such a vast collection of accolades, a common question often arises about what players do with these numerous trophies and medals. Virat Kohli himself provided a heartwarming answer to this query, revealing a unique and personal aspect of his character.

The Emotional Reason Behind Sending Awards to His Mother

During the post-match presentation, renowned presenter Harsha Bhogle posed an intriguing question to Virat Kohli, while bhogle remarked that 45 'Player of the Match' awards are a considerable number, suggesting that Kohli might need a separate room to store them all. In response, Virat Kohli disclosed that he sends all his 'Player of the Match' awards to his mother in Gurugram. He elaborated on the emotional reasoning behind this gesture, explaining that his mother loves to keep his trophies, while he added that seeing these awards fills her with a sense of pride, which, for Virat, is the most important aspect. This gesture highlights how deeply Virat connects his achievements with his family, particularly his mother.

Virat Kohli's Stature in International 'Player of the Match' Records

Virat Kohli currently stands as the second-highest recipient of 'Player of the Match' awards in the history of international cricket. The only player ahead of him is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed a remarkable 76 'Player of the Match' awards during his illustrious career. Virat Kohli, with his current tally of 71 awards, including 45. In the ODI format, is rapidly closing in on this monumental record. The gap between Sachin and Virat is now a mere 5 awards, leading to widespread anticipation that Kohli could soon surpass Tendulkar to claim the record for the most 'Player of the Match' awards in international cricket. This achievement would undoubtedly be another significant feather in his cap, further. Solidifying his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

A Blend of Sporting Excellence and Family Values

Virat Kohli's touching act of sending his awards to his mother speaks volumes about his profound respect and love for his family, while it's not merely an athlete's accomplishment but also a son's heartfelt tribute to his mother. Known for his aggressive style and record-breaking performances on the field, Virat reveals his humane and emotional side through this simple yet powerful gesture. This story not only points to his cricketing prowess but also his personal values, making him an inspiration to millions of fans worldwide.

Harsha Bhogle: 45 POTM, how big is your house? You need room for all those awards.

Virat Kohli: Well, I send it to my mom in Gurgaon. She likes keeping all the trophies, she feels proud. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/uoMnrXQJR9

— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) January 11, 2026