Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on Virat Kohli after India won the third ODI against South Africa comprehensively by nine wickets at Vizag on Saturday. With this win, India clinched the three-match series by 2-1.
Kohli continued his rich form, scoring a fine knock of 65 runs off just 45 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes in the run chase of 271. The Indian veteran batter added 116 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal to take India over the line.
Kohli was awarded Player of the Series after he scored 302 runs in three matches at an average of 151 and a strike rate of 117.05.
“There was no surprise over Virat Kohli achieving the Player of the Series award. If South Africa had scored more runs, then a third century would have also come because he was unbeaten. We wish this was a five-game series. He has batted outstandingly after coming in different entry points. Kohli hit seven sixes in the first game and two in the second. His fitness was also top-notch,” Pathan said on his YouTube Channel.
Pathan observed that Kohli looked like a man on a mission as he batted in sublime form throughout the series.
“But his entry point was after the halfway stage in the third ODI and he still looked comfortable. For any top order batter, usually the challenge is the entry point being too late. Kohli is looking like a man on a mission, given his form. It is crucial for Indian cricket to have his form going,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma scored a fine knock of 75 runs off 73 balls and added 155 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Pathan noted that Rohit showed the experience of adjusting with a new opening partner.
“On the other hand, Rohit Sharma looked upset due to missing his ton. But one thing is certain, given the way he is batting. When he steps down to a bowler, he pulls, defends and leaves. Ottneil Baartman was swinging the ball well so Rohit’s plan was to negate it. He is using his experience well. The way he supported Yashasvi Jaiswal was also important. Jaiswal doesn’t rotate the strike much, so Rohit showed patience.”
India will next take on South Africa in a five-match T20I series against South Africa.
