Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli has expressed a profound sense of liberation following his explosive performance in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa. Kohli, who was named the Player of the Series, played a pivotal role in India's 2-1 victory, culminating in a decisive nine-wicket win in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
A Mind Unshackled: Kohli's Newfound Freedom
At the post-match presentation, Kohli made a revealing admission about his state of mind. "Honestly, playing the way I have in the series is the most satisfying thing for me. I feel really free in my mind. I haven't played like this in 2-3 years," said the batting maestro. This declaration comes after a period where Kohli shouldered the immense pressure of captaincy for nearly seven years and played non-stop cricket since his debut in 2008 until his retirement from T20Is and Tests in 2024.
His statistics in the three-match series were nothing short of spectacular. Kohli amassed 302 runs, featuring back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs and a match-winning, unbeaten 65 off just 45 balls in the third and final game. This dominant form marked a strong comeback after a rusty return to international cricket in Australia, where he registered two consecutive ducks before finding his rhythm with a score in the 70s in Sydney.
The Journey Through Self-Doubt and Refinement
Kohli delved deeper into the mental challenges of a long international career. He acknowledged that self-doubt is a natural companion for any athlete playing at the highest level for over 15 years. "When you play for that long - 15-16 years, you do doubt yourself. Especially as a batter when one mistake can get you out," he reflected.
However, he views this continuous battle as a journey of personal growth. "It's a whole journey of getting better and getting better as a person along the way. It improves you as a person and it improves temperament as well," Kohli added. He emphasized the direct link between his mental freedom and his ability to win games for India, stating that when he bats freely, he knows he can clear the boundaries and handle any situation in the middle.
What Lies Ahead for King Kohli?
The third ODI in Visakhapatnam was Kohli's last international appearance for 2025. His next assignment in Indian colours will be the three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand, starting in January 2026. The road ahead is busy, with India scheduled to play 18 ODIs in 2026 as part of their preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli is expected to be a central figure in all these encounters, bringing his renewed sense of freedom and formidable form to the fore for the national team.
Kohli's candid reflections highlight not just a return to form, but a significant evolution in his approach to the game. Shedding the weight of leadership and continuous play appears to have unlocked a new, liberated version of one of cricket's greatest modern batters, much to the delight of Indian cricket fans worldwide.
