![Virat Kohli to return to his fortress in Vizag [Source: @BCCI/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1764941114974_Virat_Kohli_Vizag_India_South_Africa_ODI.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli to return to his fortress in Vizag [Source: @BCCI/X.com]
The third and final ODI between India and South Africa in Vizag is more than a series decider. It is also shaping up to be a personal stage for Virat Kohli once again.
After smashing back-to-back centuries in this series, the former Indian captain now walks into one of his happiest hunting grounds, which is the lush outfield and true surfaces of Visakhapatnam.
Vizag is Virat Kohli’s fortress
| Criterion | Stats |
| Matches | 7 |
| Runs | 587 |
| Average | 97.83 |
| Strike Rate | 100.34 |
| 100/50 | 3/2 |
| Highest score | 157* |
(Table: Virat Kohli's ODI stats at Vizag)
Numbers alone explain half the story. In seven ODIs at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Virat Kohli has piled up 587 runs at a staggering average of 97.83.
Three centuries and two fifties at one venue is not just form but domination. No other batter has come close to matching that level of consistency on this ground. But why does Kohli look so at home in Vizag?
Why does Vizag suit Virat Kohli?
The answer lies in the nature of the pitch and the size of the ground. Visakhapatnam is regarded as one of the premier batting pitches in India, particularly if the match occurs during the day.
The bounce is true, the carry is even, and the ball comes nicely onto the bat. This suits Kohli's game just fine as he thrives on timing, balance, and placement rather than brute force.
The even bounce enables Virat Kohli to play through the line, trust his drives, and rotate the strike with ease.
Another important factor is the square boundaries. Vizag isn’t as big as some Indian venues, which means Kohli’s trademark punches through cover and pulls off the back foot regularly find the rope.
Defenders often feel the pressure of tight singles turning into twos and twos turning into fours. Over time, bowlers lose length, and that is when Virat Kohli takes over completely.
Will Virat Kohli continue to own Vizag?
But what about the law of averages? Surely, after two centuries, the odds say he must fail, right? Cricket is a game built on such logic. But it is also a game that regularly breaks it.
The “law of averages” means little to a player in this kind of touch. Virat Kohli isn’t slogging his way to runs. He is building them, ball by ball, mistake by mistake, from the bowlers.
And when a player is this locked in, averages don’t matter, and execution does.
South Africa once again will throw everything at him. From new-ball swing, middle-over plans, and short stuff to wide stuff. But as long as the pitch stays true and Kohli stays patient, Vizag might just witness another masterclass.
The bigger question is not whether Virat Kohli will score. History suggests he will. The only real question is how big the third century will be.
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