Virat Kohli puts one foot on plane to 2027 World Cup in South Africa

New Delhi: In a display that reminded the cricketing world why he is regarded as one of the modern greats, Virat Kohli produced an extraordinary run-scoring spree in India’s recent three-match ODI series against South Africa. Across the series, Kohli’s batting was the cornerstone of India’s success, showcasing a blend of classical technique, brutal efficiency and ruthless consistency that few in the game can rival.

The series opened in Ranchi with a statement knock from Kohli. The batting great scored 135 from 120 balls, anchoring India to a competitive total and earning Player of the Match honours as India clinched a thrilling 17-run victory.

Kohli’s form didn’t dip in the second game. At Raipur, he struck another superb century — 102 runs, his 53rd in the ODI format, sharing a massive 195-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad that put India in a commanding position. Although South Africa chased down the total in one of the most thrilling ODIs of the year, Kohli’s mastery at the crease was a highlight of the contest.

In the decisive third ODI in Visakhapatnam, Kohli continued his rich vein of form with an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, propelling India to a nine-wicket series-winning triumph.

Across the three games, Kohli amassed 302 runs — the highest in the series — and was justly crowned Player of the Series.

His tally included two majestic centuries and a brisk 65*, underscoring not just volume but match impact. In addition to these runs, Kohli cleared the rope 12 times in the series, the most he has ever hit in any ODI series or tournament — a testament to both his power and timing.

This eye-catching performance lifted Kohli up the ICC ODI batting rankings, where he climbed to No. 2 in the world, just behind teammate Rohit Sharma, reflecting his extraordinary consistency and impact in recent months.

Beyond the raw runs and lofted shots, Kohli’s contributions came at key junctures in all three matches. His ability to calculate a chase, accelerate at the right moments and manage the tempo of the innings — especially at numbers 3 and 4 — was a dominant factor in India’s series success.

Part of Kohli’s resurgence, as he himself has acknowledged, stems from a renewed mental freedom and clarity. Following speculation about his form in the lead-up months, Kohli said he felt “really free in my mind,” a sentiment that translated to aggressive shot-making without hesitation and fewer moments of self-doubt.

His captaincy legacy, experience and hunger for runs clearly remain undimmed, even as he focuses on maintaining peak performance in white-ball formats. South African bowlers — among the best in the world — were repeatedly dispatched to the boundary by Kohli’s exquisite placement and timing, proving that his cricketing instincts remain elite.

Cricketing icons have taken note. Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar lauded Kohli’s form, even drawing parallels to some of the greatest innings in India’s ODI history and pondering the possibility of him inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental run-scoring feats.

Kohli’s performances also sparked wider conversation about longevity and elite performance. At 37, he continues to raise the bar, combining seasoned game awareness with an almost youthful hunger for big innings.

In a series where pressure moments came thick and fast, Virat Kohli’s bat was India’s steadying force. With two centuries, an unbeaten quickfire 65 and a Player of the Series title, he reminded the world that in the ODI arena, even after more than a decade at the top, he remains one of the most complete and commanding batsmen of his generation.

Whether chasing totals or setting them, Kohli’s resurgence against South Africa was not just a return to form — it was a reaffirmation of his enduring brilliance in One Day International cricket.

India won the ODI series 2-1. 

Tags : Virat Kohli, ODI cricket, South Africa, India, World Cup