After firmly establishing himself in a series of standout with outstanding performances, veteran Indian batsman Virat Kohli has said that his performance in the recent ODI series against the South Africa national cricket team was “the best he’s played in 2–3 years.”
En route to being named Player of the Series, Virat Kohli gathered an amazing 302 runs throughout three innings at 37, including two centuries and an undefeated 65. He scored 135 in the first ODI, followed by 102 and 65* in the second and third ODIs, respectively.
His outstanding power hitting defined the run-fest; he hit 12 sixes throughout the series, which is more than other Indian batsman.
Kohli himself feels he has, describing the series as liberating him mentally and combining his ability, purpose, and self-assurance.
Expressing happiness at finding his peak self following the last match, he said, “I don’t think I’ve played at this level for a good two to three years now. I feel really free in my mind.”
Kohli acknowledged that uncertainty had crept in and that mental clarity came after a time of changing shape. Reflecting on his over 15-year career, he admitted how challenging it may be to combat insecurities as a batterer, where one mistake may alter momentum.
Still, overcoming those questions and ‘unlocking’ his potential once again appears to have been rewarding. Particularly impressive to him was his 52nd ODI century in Ranchi, not just for the runs but for the sense of confidence and independence it brought back.
For supporters and critics both, this sequence of hits provides fresh hope that Kohli, though growing older, can still stabilize innings, unleash tempered aggression, and guide a batting order with maturity and talent.
This redemptive run may change expectations for Kohli as well as the Indian team going forward, since ODI remains the only international commitment after retiring from Tests and T20s.
