Visakhapatnam: Indian batting mainstay Virat Kohli on Saturday said he is “feeling really free” mentally after producing another match-winning effort to help India clinch the three-match ODI series, in which he finished as the leading run-scorer with 302 runs.
Kohli scored a rapid 45-ball 65 not out in the third ODI after hitting centuries in the first two games to extend his tally to a record 53, as India crushed South Africa by nine wickets to win the third ODI comprehensively.
“Honestly, playing the way I have in the series is the most satisfying thing for me. I feel really free in my mind. I haven’t played like this in 2-3 years,” Kohli told the broadcaster after the match.
Returning to international cricket in Australia, Kohli looked rusty during his two consecutive ducks in the first two matches. The former Indian captain hit form in Sydney with an unbeaten 70-plus score and carried the same against South Africa too with back-to-back hundreds in the first two games. On Saturday, Kohli remained not out at 65 off just 45 balls.
Speaking more about his own game, Kohli knew if he can bat free in the middle, it would help the team in a winning cause. “I know when I can bat like that in the middle, it helps the team a long way. Makes me confident, in any situation in the middle, I can handle that and bring it in favor of the team. When you play for that long – 15-16 years, you do doubt yourself.
“Especially as a batter, when one mistake can get you out. It’s a whole journey of getting better and getting better as a person along the way. It improves you as a person and it improves your temperament as well. I’m just glad that I’m still able to contribute to the team. When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes. There’s always levels you can unlock,” added Kohli.
The third ODI against South Africa was Kohli’s last in 2025 for India. He will next be seen again at home during India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in January next year. India will play as many as 18 ODIs in 2026 in the lead up to the 2027 ODI World Cup and Kohli is expected to play in all of them.
