Virat Kohli's 93-run knock in the first ODI against New Zealand secured India's victory, earning him his 45th Player of the Match award. This places him third on the all-time list, inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar's record of 62 awards. Kohli expressed that he sends his trophies home to his mother and reflected on his journey as a dream come true, emphasizing the hard work involved.