New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- They say, age is just a number. On the eve of his 38th birthday, King Virat Kohli unleashed his 80th half century in the ODI format as India defeated New Zealand by five wickets (DLS method) in the first match in Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday. Kohli adds one more year on Thursday.

Almost all those who watched him unleash an array of strokes, enjoy himself on the field and also take a great catch to dismiss Nathan Smith, a one-hand effort at second slip, will agree Kohli is real vintage now.

Indian cricket is poised for good results in the-white ball formats. If the recent wins in the T20 series, where India sealed the series was important, the ODI format is different.

This is longer, more technical, and tests the cricketers hard. How and why and what for Virat Kohli is still playing could be understood from his presence in the field on Wednesday.

To score runs freely, unleash 13 boundaries, become the first batter to score 13,000 runs at the No. 3 position, a key one, defines Kohli. Given his penchant for discipline, how he wants to keep pushing in the ODI format till 2027, when the ICC ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Kohli has shown commitment and passion.

When he landed in New Zealand last week, he did not head to the hotel room and rest. Jetlag was fought differently, he headed straight to nets and enjoyed himself.

Kohli, later, spoke of how he finds workout and cricket sessions as the best way to overcome long-flight fatigue.

Old-timers who have watched Virat Kohli bat repeatedly, agree, he is in sublime form. For sure, Ravi Shastri, who has seen Kohli bat over the decades says his hunger is intact.

"He's back to what he does best, anchoring the innings," said Shastri. There have been a lot of questions surrounding King Kohli. More had to do with just his age.

He has put in tremendous hard work in staying fit. The most difficult assignment for him is the Indian Premier League, where he is a permanent fixture for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. If people think Kohli's commitment is only for club cricket, wrong.

He has made the ODI format almost his own, like Sachin Tendulkar. To keep pushing and show to the youngsters what he has to offer, still, is defining. There was needless uncertainty over Kohli as well as former India captain Rohit Sharma being around so long, as they are heading into the twilight of their careers. Surely, as Kohli turns 38 on Thursday, he still has that charm and craft.

To be around in international cricket for 18 years is massive. And Kohli will be there till the 2027 World Cup as well. So much for stars and their value, Virat Kohli ranks very high.

Birthday wishes are already pouring in for the former India captain, who has achieved greatness in so many ways. What is important, he has shown the willingness to be a fantastic team member under skipper Shubman Gill.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.