Visakhapatnam: Virat Kohli has expressed immense satisfaction with his performance in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, where he was named Player of the Series. The former India captain played a pivotal role in India's 2-1 series victory, amassing 302 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 151.
Kohli's scores in the series were 135 in the first ODI in Ranchi, 102 in the second ODI in Raipur and an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls in the final match in Visakhapatnam. His performance included two centuries and a half-century. This earned him his 12th Player of the Series award in ODIs, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya and now only trails Sachin Tendulkar, who has 15.
"Honestly, just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me," Kohli said during the post-match presentation. "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. The whole game is coming together nicely". He emphasized the importance of maintaining his own standards and contributing to the team's success.
Kohli, who has retired from Test and T20I cricket, is currently focused on ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup in sight. He reflected on the mental challenges of playing for an extended period, admitting that doubts can creep in after 15-16 years in the sport. "Especially as a batter, because you are literally relying on one mistake, so you tend to go into a space where you feel like 'maybe I am not good enough'," he explained. Despite these challenges, Kohli is pleased to still be contributing to the team.
The series win against South Africa marked India's last ODI series in 2025. Kohli concluded the calendar year with 651 runs in 13 ODIs, averaging 65.10, including three centuries and four half-centuries. Following a disappointing tour of Australia where both Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, their places in the ODI team came under scrutiny. However, both players have since delivered outstanding performances, proving their continued value to the team. Rohit Sharma also won Player of the Series in Australia.
Kohli's performance in the series was a blend of aggression and vintage shot-making. His ability to bat freely allows him to play according to the situation, further boosting his confidence and benefiting the team. After the match, Kohli said that he knows he can hit sixes when he plays freely and that there are always levels that he can unlock.
India will now engage in a five-match T20I series starting December 9 in Cuttack, although Kohli will not participate and will next be seen in action for India in January, when India host New Zealand in an ODI series.
