Kohli breaks down batting masterclass against South Africa

A standout feature from India’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa saw Virat Kohli forge a memorable series display.
The 37-year-old amassed a staggering 302 runs from three outings, averaging a stellar 151 and was named the Player of the Series as the leading run-getter. This included two consecutive centuries (135 and 102) and an unbeaten 65* in the series decider.
“Honestly, just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me,” Kohli said afterwards.
“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. And something that I have always tried to do as a player, kind of maintain my own standards that I have set for myself and play at the level that I can make an impact for the team.
“And I know when I can bat like that out there in the middle, then it of course helps the team in a big way because I can bat long, I can bat according to the situation.”
A particular feature of Kohli’s batting throughout the series was his ability to score boundaries at a brisk rate.
The right-hander finished with more fours (24) and sixes (12) than any other batter from across the two sides.
“When I play freely, then I know I can hit sixes. So, I just wanted to have some fun because I was batting well, just take a bit more risk.
“Just push my own boundaries and see where we go. There's always levels you can unlock and you just need to take a risk.”
Heading into the third ODI, with all to play for, Kohli believes, helped India bring out their best against a strong Proteas side.
Delving into his psyche, going into the series decider, the former India skipper added, “It's always brought the best out of us over the years. That's what we play our cricket for.
“You don't want it to be 1-1. But when it is 1-1, and it's a decider, you get excited. I want to make a play today.
“I want to make a dent into the game. And I want to do something special for the team. That's what we have always done over so many years. And that's why we have been able to play for so long.”
Furthermore, Kohli also expressed his elation on starring with the bat alongside former India skipper Rohit Sharma, who also shone with the bat, scoring 146 runs across the three games, including two half-centuries.
Speaking after the third ODI, Kohli conceded, “I am just happy that both of us (Rohit and himself) continue to do so even now and help the team.”
India will next feature in a five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9.