Virat Kohli stole the spotlight in India’s 2-1 ODI series triumph over South Africa, producing a memorable batting performance that reaffirmed his status as one of the modern greats of the game.
The 37-year-old amassed a remarkable 302 runs across three matches, averaging an extraordinary 151. His contributions included back-to-back centuries—135 and 102—followed by an unbeaten 65* in the series decider, earning him the Player of the Series award as the leading run-scorer.
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Kohli Reflects on His Form
After the series, Kohli spoke candidly about his satisfaction with his current form.
“Honestly, just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me,” he said.
“I don’t think I have played at this level for a good 2-3 years now, and I feel really free in my mind. Just the whole game is coming together nicely. Very exciting to build on.”
He added that maintaining high personal standards and delivering consistent performances were always his priorities:
“When I can bat like that out there in the middle, it helps the team in a big way because I can bat long and adapt to the situation.”
Aggressive Strokeplay Sets Kohli Apart
A defining feature of Kohli’s series was his ability to score boundaries at a brisk pace. Across the three games, he hit 24 fours and 12 sixes, more than any other player from either side.
“When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes,” Kohli explained. “I just wanted to have some fun because I was batting well, take a bit more risk, and push my own boundaries. There are always levels you can unlock.”
Rising to the Occasion in the Series Decider
With the series tied 1-1, the third ODI held high stakes, bringing out the best in India’s batting lineup. Kohli highlighted the excitement and responsibility of performing in such scenarios:
“It’s always brought the best out of us over the years. When it is 1-1, and it’s a decider, you get excited. I want to make a dent in the game and do something special for the team.”
Partnership with Rohit Sharma Adds Strength
Kohli also praised his partnership with former India skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored 146 runs in the series, including two half-centuries.
“I am just happy that both of us continue to do so even now and help the team,” Kohli said, acknowledging the impact of their combined experience.
Looking Ahead: T20I Series Against South Africa
India will now turn their attention to a five-match T20I series against South Africa, set to begin on December 9. Riding on Kohli’s form and the team’s momentum, expectations are high for another dominant performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Virat Kohli score in the series against South Africa?
Kohli scored a total of 302 runs in three ODIs, averaging 151, including two centuries and an unbeaten 65* in the decider.
Which matches did Kohli score centuries in?
He scored 135 runs in the first ODI and 102 runs in the second ODI.
Was Kohli named Player of the Series?
Yes, Kohli was awarded the Player of the Series for being the leading run-scorer.
How many boundaries did Kohli hit during the series?
He hit a total of 24 fours and 12 sixes, more than any other player from both teams.
How did Kohli describe his current form?
He said he felt mentally free and was playing at a level he hadn’t achieved in 2–3 years, which allowed him to make a significant impact on the team.
How did Kohli approach the series decider?
Kohli emphasized the excitement of the series decider, saying he wanted to make a meaningful impact and perform under high-pressure conditions.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s extraordinary performance against South Africa reaffirmed why he remains one of the finest batsmen in modern cricket. His ability to combine consistency with aggressive strokeplay, especially under high-pressure situations, was pivotal in India’s 2-1 series victory. Alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli’s leadership with the bat showcased experience, skill, and a relentless drive to perform for the team.
