March 2, 2025: Ahead of India’s crucial last group stage match against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium, former India skipper Virat Kohli opened up about his Delhi roots and how they influence his approach to life, both on and off the field. Reflecting on being a “Delhi da munda,” Kohli shared that the phrase, for him, signifies having a stress-free approach to life, one that allows him to take on new experiences and challenges with a calm and collected mindset.
In a video posted by ICC on Instagram, Kohli said, “I don’t know if I’m a prototypical Delhi da munda at all times. Being a Delhi da munda, the line in itself kind of means having a stress-free approach towards things. New experiences in life went to a lot of places, so I wouldn’t say that I’m out and out always a Delhi boy. In moments, I am, yes.” His relaxed yet determined attitude has been evident throughout his career, contributing to his success at the highest level of international cricket.
Kohli, who has been in scorching form, is set to mark a significant milestone in his career—his 300th ODI match—during the upcoming clash with New Zealand. This will make him the eighth Indian cricketer to achieve this feat. Kohli’s unbeaten century against Pakistan earlier in the week propelled him to No. 5 in the ICC ODI rankings and made him only the third player to surpass 14,000 runs in 50-over cricket. He is now closing in on second place in the all-time run charts, with just 149 runs separating him from Kumar Sangakkara. However, he still trails behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar by a significant 4,341 runs.
India’s showdown with New Zealand will be a high-stakes match, as both teams are unbeaten in the ongoing Champions Trophy. The two sides are vying for the top spot in Group A, and this match will play a pivotal role in shaping the semi-final matchups. This also marks Kohli’s opportunity to continue his red-hot form as India heads into the tournament’s next stage.
In the same video, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who also hails from Delhi, chimed in on the “Delhi spirit.” He explained, “The Delhi spirit is very simple: try and win each time you walk onto the cricket field. That’s what has been taught to us when we were growing up in Delhi.” Gambhir’s words echoed the fighting attitude that has been a hallmark of Delhi cricketers, with both Kohli and Gambhir embodying that spirit in their careers.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in this pivotal match, all eyes will be on Kohli as he not only celebrates his 300th ODI but also seeks to extend his record-breaking run in the tournament. The match is set to be an exciting battle between two teams at the top of their game, with plenty to play for as they head into the semi-finals.