Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth used deliciously quirky analogies to describe the breathtaking strokeplay of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, following India's dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the ODI series decider in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Srikkanth's Flavorful Praise for Star Duo
While young Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundation with a maiden ODI century, the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma (75) and Virat Kohli (67 not out) provided the finishing flourish with unbeaten half-centuries. Their knocks were studded with authoritative sixes that left the former opener Srikkanth in awe.
In a review on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth was particularly effusive about a signature shot from Virat Kohli. He lauded the no-look six that Kohli hit off South African pacer Corbin Bosch, executed with sheer nonchalance. For this, Srikkanth cooked up a sweet comparison.
"That six off Bosch, whenever Bosch bowls, it’s like badam halwa for Virat Kohli. He didn’t even look at the ball and it goes for a six," Srikkanth remarked.
Rohit's Nautical Maximum
He didn't stop there. Turning his attention to skipper Rohit Sharma, Srikkanth described a powerful hit over mid-wicket against pacer Ottneil Baartman. Drawing inspiration from the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, he painted a vivid picture.
"Likewise, Rohit Sharma when facing a short ball from Baartman, smashes him like a boatman. It looked like the ball would go to the boatman on the beaches of Vizag," the ex-captain added with his characteristic humor.
Kohli: A Man Possessed and Back to His Best
Srikkanth delved deeper into Virat Kohli's triumphant return to form this series. He referenced Kohli's own admission in the post-match presentation about past confusion, highlighting the mental challenges even the greats face.
"If you see this entire series, he’s enjoying his game. He has gone back to the old Virat Kohli of the past, where he’s very passionate and aggressive but at the same time, very determined. He’s playing at a different level. Actually, he’s playing like a man possessed," Srikkanth observed.
His praise for Kohli, who was adjudged the Player of the Series for amassing 302 runs with back-to-back centuries in Ranchi and Raipur, knew no bounds. "I’ve never seen Virat Kohli batting this well. He’s smashing sixes and fours at will. Yet, all with straight-batted shots," he stated.
Smart Aggression from Captain Rohit
Srikkanth also commended Rohit Sharma's intelligent approach at the crease. He pointed out that the Indian captain blended attack with shrewd game awareness perfectly during the chase in Vizag.
"Likewise, Rohit also played smartly, while toying with the field. He played attacking cricket while playing intelligent cricket," said Srikkanth, summarizing a complete team performance spearheaded by its two most iconic batters.
The comprehensive win sealed the ODI series for India, marking a strong comeback after losing the T20I leg. The performances of Kohli and Rohit, dissected with such colorful commentary by Srikkanth, have set a positive tone for the team's future engagements.
