Virat Kohli says he has rediscovered his peak batting level for the first time in three years after inspiring India to a series-clinching victory over South Africa in their three-match one-day international (ODI) series.
Capping a remarkable turnaround from recent struggles, the 37-year-old former skipper walked away with the player of the series trophy following India’s 2-1 series triumph on Saturday.
Kohli amassed 302 runs, which included two tons and an unbeaten half-century at a stunning average of 151. His series-ending flourish came in the decisive match in Visakhapatnam as India chased down 271 for victory.
After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden ODI hundred and Rohit Sharma’s 75 laid the foundation, Kohli smashed 65 off 45 balls with three sixes before dramatically scoring the winning runs by charging down the pitch.
His performance marked a spectacular resurrection for a player who endured intense scrutiny following back-to-back ducks in Australia, but has since compiled 376 runs in his last four innings.
The 23-year-old Jaiswal, who now has tons in all three international formats, struggled at the start with Rohit leading the batting charge to raise his 61st ODI half-century.
Rohit got past 20,000 international runs during the knock to be only the fourth Indian after Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli and Rahul Dravid to achieve the feat.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj cut short Rohit’s innings after seven fours and three sixes in his 73-ball knock.
Jaiswal switched gears after his fifty and hit a string of boundaries to ease into the target.
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