Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass in power-hitting, finishing as the undisputed star of India's ODI series victory against South Africa. The batting maestro not only topped the run charts but also unleashed a record-breaking barrage of sixes, showcasing a thrilling new dimension to his game.
Kohli Unleashes Record-Breaking Six-Hitting Spree
In a stunning display of aggressive batting, Virat Kohli hammered 12 sixes across the three-match ODI series. This remarkable tally marks his highest number of maximums in any single ODI series or tournament in his illustrious career. His previous best was nine sixes, a feat he achieved twice: during the 2022-23 ODI series against Sri Lanka and again in the entire 2023 ODI World Cup.
The ex-India captain saved his best for the series decider in Visakhapatnam. Chasing a target of 271, Kohli remained unbeaten on 65 runs from just 45 balls, an innings peppered with six fours and three towering sixes. His explosive finish alongside centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal sealed a comprehensive win for the hosts.
The Mindset Behind the Mayhem: Kohli Explains His Approach
After the match, Kohli revealed the thought process behind his audacious stroke-play. He emphasized playing with freedom and pushing his own boundaries. "When I play freely, then I know I can hit sixes. So, I just wanted to have some fun because I was batting well, just take a bit more risk," Kohli stated.
He elaborated on his philosophy of constant improvement, adding, "Just push my own boundaries and see where we go. There's always levels you can unlock and you just need to take a risk." This intent was clearly reflected in his staggering series statistics: 302 runs at an astronomical average of 151.00 and a strike rate of over 117, including two centuries and a fifty.
Dominant Series and Stellar Year for the Run Machine
Kohli's dominance against South Africa is nothing short of extraordinary. In 34 ODIs against the Proteas, he has now amassed 1,806 runs at an average of 72.24, including seven centuries and nine fifties. His highest score against them is an unbeaten 160.
This series performance further cements his brilliant form in 2024. In 13 ODIs this year, Kohli has scored 651 runs at an average of 65.10, with three hundreds and four half-centuries to his name.
Jaiswal's Maiden Ton and South Africa's Fight
The third ODI was set up by a brilliant bowling performance from India's spin ace, Kuldeep Yadav, who took 4 for 41, and pacer Prasidh Krishna (4/66). They bundled South Africa out for 270 after the visitors, put in to bat, had reached 234 for 5. Opener Quinton de Kock scored a fine 106, sharing a 113-run stand with captain Temba Bavuma (48).
India's chase was anchored by a magnificent 155-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma (75) and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener went on to score his maiden ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 116. He then combined with Kohli in another century stand to guide India home with more than 10 overs to spare, clinching the series.
