Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes Virat Kohli would be disappointed after India suffered a 41-run loss in the third ODI against New Zealand. In the run-chase of 338, Kohli scored a brilliant knock of 124 runs off 108 balls with the help of 10 fours and three sixes.

But his efforts went in vain as none of the other top order batters could provide him support. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana scored fighting fifties but it was not enough to rescue the team.

Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz, “There was always hope till one recognized batter was there, Virat in this case. We all know what he can do once he’s in that zone. Chasing has been his strength right throughout his career. He looked like he believed and he just needed support, which Nitish Reddy provided at that stage. But Virat almost did it for the team, and he will surely be feeling the hurt of not crossing the line.”

Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli’s former teammate, concurred with Zaheer Khan and said Kohli would be disappointed after he could not take the team over the line.

“He’ll be really disappointed. The way he batted after India was four down, with Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, he batted beautifully. He must be devastated. 60-odd runs in six overs, it was India’s game. But once Virat got out, that’s where New Zealand got the game,” said Rahane.

Zaheer Khan showered praise on Harshit Rana, who scored a crucial knock of 52 runs off 43 balls to keep India in the contest but was dismissed right after reaching his maiden ODI fifty.

“Ravindra Jadeja was going to be the one taking charge, but failed to do that. But Harshit Rana made it up in terms of what a lower-order contributor could have done in that situation. In fact, he did threefold more than what was expected. He really kept India going in the game and also gave Virat confidence,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).

“But once Harshit was out, it was always going to be too much left for Virat to do. He had to keep the strike and calculate all these variables, which was always going to be challenging. The ball was definitely in the slot to be hit, but one of those days he failed to do that.”

India will next take on New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, starting Wednesday.