Virat Kohli capped off a brilliant return to ODI cricket by selecting his favorite innings in India’s 2-1 series win against South Africa – a series in which he scored 135, 102 and 65 not out and won his 20th Player of the Series award in international cricket.
Virat Kohli rediscovers old form with brilliant series-winning innings against South Africa
The 36-year-old Kohli admitted that the three-match contest was his most complete batting performance in many years, describing the experience as “liberating” And “Deeply Satisfying” told.
“The way I have played in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me,” Kohli of India Vizag wins by nine wickets in decider Said after. “I don’t think I’ve played at this level in the last 2-3 years. I feel really free in my mind. The whole game is going well.”
In the series, Kohli hit 12 sixes, more than any other batsman, indicating a renewed aggressive streak. He said that he deliberately increased his scoring limits, allowing him to take more calculated risks.
Kohli reveals his best innings of South Africa ODI series
Although all three innings were important, Kohli scored his 135 runs in Ranchi The most prominent was his 52nd ODI century. This innings laid the foundation for India’s narrow 17-run win in the series opener and helped unlock the momentum they seemed to be missing from their game.
“I had not played any match after Australia,” Kohli said. “Coming out and hitting the ball well – you just know when your energy is right. It gives you the confidence to take risks. When they are successful, it opens up the area that you crave as a batsman. Ranchi was very special because it opened me up in a way I hadn’t felt for a while.”
Kohli explained that the emotional and technical clarity he felt in Ranchi carried over into the rest of the series, allowing him to bat with fluency and power.
Kohli reveals about his mental battle against batting
Reflecting on a career spanning nearly 16 years, Kohli admitted that even the greatest players face moments of uncertainty.
“When you play for so long, you will have phases where you doubt your ability,” He said. “As a batsman you depend on one mistake – that’s what it’s all about. So you get into that space where you feel maybe you’re not good enough. The nerves take over. That’s the beauty of the game.”
Kohli said overcoming that fear is part of the art: “Every ball you play, and ultimately every long innings, helps you get back into that confidence zone. It’s a journey of learning and knowing yourself better.”
He also added that batting has played an important role in shaping him: “It improves you as a person. Your nature becomes more balanced. Yes, I have faced phases where I have doubted myself, and I don’t hesitate to admit it. That’s humanity.”
With his form once again at its peak, Kohli’s recent performances indicate a new energy in his ODI journey – and a reminder of why he remains one of cricket’s most dangerous big-match players.
Comments are closed.