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"Maintain my own standards": Virat Kohli finds his freedom after impressive SA ODIs

Akshita Patel

Virat Kohli wins player of the series [Source: @rushiii_12/X.com]Virat Kohli wins player of the series [Source: @rushiii_12/X.com]

Virat Kohli was named Player of the Series for his remarkable show in the three-game ODI series against South Africa. Looking back, Kohli said he found his rhythm again and felt like his true old self.

India won the series 2-1 after a 9-wicket victory in the third ODI held at Vizag. Kohli scored yet another half-century and finished with an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls in India’s 271-run chase.

Virat Kohli returns to his natural game

Meanwhile, for Virat Kohli, the series was extremely special as he regained his vintage form. In the first two ODIs, he scored two back-to-back centuries (135 & 102) and followed it up with another 50-plus score in Vizag.

Hence, for his remarkable impact and contribution to India’s series victory, Virat Kohli was awarded Player of the Series. 

In the post-match press conference, he spoke about how satisfying it was to bat without fear, to trust his instincts and let his natural game flow. As a top-order batter, one small mistake can end an innings, and that pressure can slowly build doubt in the mind. 

"Well, honestly. Just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me. I don't think I have played at this level for 2 to 3 years now. I feel really free in my mind, the whole game coming together nicely. Very exciting to build on, something I always try to do as a player. Kind of maintain my own standards and play at a level where I can make an impact for the team."

Kohli admitted that he also went through those dark phases where he questioned his ability and wondered if he was still good enough. For a player who has been in the game for 15 to 16 years, those feelings are normal.

"Well of course, when you play for that long 15-16 years, you will have many phases where you doubt yourself. Especially as a batter because you are literally relying on one mistake. You tend to go into a place where you feel like maybe I am not good enough. That's the beauty of sports, especially a skill like batting, where you have to overcome that fear, play that long innings."

But this series changed something inside him. The innings in Ranchi, especially, gave him fresh energy. He hadn’t played since the Australia series, and when he walked out to bat, the atmosphere and the importance of the match pushed him to take risks again.

"Get into a zone to play confidently. It is like a whole journey of learning and becoming better as a person. I can vouch for the fact that being a batter, what kind of thinking negative factors I have where I don't feel confident, what are the small details. It improves you as a person and it improves your temperament as well."

Virat Kohli believes that overcoming such doubts is part of the beauty of sport. It makes a player mentally stronger and improves their temperament. He now feels confident that no matter the situation, he can step up and bring the game back in his team’s favour.

"I'm just glad that I'm still able to contribute to the team. I have had many phases where I have doubted myself. I haven't been shy to admit that, I think it is pretty human to feel like that. When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes. Just wanted to push my own boundaries and see where I can go."

More than the records or awards, Virat Kohli is just happy that he can still make a difference for India. Alongside Rohit Sharma, he feels proud to continue contributing to the team and pushing his own limits.

"I think the first one in Ranchi. I hadn't played since Australia, just the energy on the day helps take risks. That opened me up in a way I've not felt in a while. Grateful for how the games have gone. Must-win brings the best out of us. I want to make a play. Happy Rohit and I can help the team even now."

Now, Virat Kohli will be next seen in action in the ODI series against New Zealand scheduled in January 2026.