NEW DELHI, India — India spinner Kuldeep Yadav said Virat Kohli’s explosive 135 against South Africa reminded him of the former captain’s peak years, adding that Kohli appeared to be batting just as he did between 2016 and 2019.
Kohli delivered a vintage performance in Sunday’s first ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. After reaching a steady half-century, the 37-year-old accelerated sharply, converting it into a dominant century as he took on the Proteas’ attack with complete command. Although he did not finish the innings unbeaten, his 135 proved decisive in India’s 17-run victory, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Speaking to bcci.tv, Kuldeep reflected on the innings with admiration. “My career started with Virat Bhai when he was the captain. The way he batted, I felt I had gone back 8–9 years, the way he was batting in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2016 even. It was a very good innings and he looked very confident. Whatever his shot selection was, the ball was coming nicely off the bat,” he said.
Kuldeep added that Kohli and other senior players continue to guide the bowlers by offering tactical insights and advice. “It feels good being around him. You get to learn a lot. You always get inputs. Even in bowling, you get inputs as to what you can do. It feels good to be with the seniors. There is energy and intensity in the team, as you have seen in the field. We are very lucky with it.”
With a 1–0 lead secured, India will face South Africa next at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday for the second ODI. (Source: IANS)
