Virat Kohli capped off a sensational ODI series against South Africa with another unbeaten masterclass, saying he feels he’s batting at a level he hasn’t touched in the last two to three years. His 65* in the decider helped India cruise to a nine-wicket win while chasing 271 with more than ten overs to spare.
Kohli finished the series with 302 runs at an astonishing average of 151, following back-to-back centuries in the first two games, his fourth consecutive 50-plus score after returning from two ducks in Australia. “My whole game is coming together nicely,” he said, adding that he finally feels “free in the mind” and fully in control of his batting rhythm.
The Indian superstar also blasted 12 sixes, the most he has ever hit in an ODI series, and claimed his 22nd Player-of-the-Series award, extending another massive world record. His strike rate of 117.05 was his best in nearly two years, reflecting the freedom with which he has batted.
Kohli said he deliberately pushed his boundaries this series, embracing more risk and trusting his instincts. “When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes,” he said. “There are always new levels you can unlock, you just need to take the risk.”
Reflecting on his 15-year journey, Kohli admitted that even great players face phases of self-doubt, calling batting “a whole journey of learning”. He said understanding his own mental patterns, confidence dips and nerves has not just improved him as a batsman, but also as a person, adding: “I haven’t been shy to admit that I’ve doubted myself many times.”
