Irfan Pathan Lauds Virat Kohli's Remarkable Fitness and Performance Against South Africa
Kohli's Stellar Performance in Raipur
New Delhi, December 4: Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, has commended Virat Kohli for his exceptional fitness and concentration after the seasoned batsman achieved his 84th international century during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur.
The 37-year-old's recent outings have been impressive, picking up from his previous innings in Ranchi where he scored a blistering 135 off 120 balls, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes. In Raipur, Kohli played a more measured innings, scoring 102 runs off 93 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.
Pathan emphasized the significance of Kohli's fitness at this age, noting, "At 37, the way he maintains his fitness and scores consecutive centuries is remarkable. His celebratory jumps, reaching nearly 9 meters, reflect his focus. After starting with two ducks in Australia, he has consistently scored over 50 runs in his last three innings, including a 74-run knock, followed by two centuries. He adapted well to the pitch conditions here, starting with a six but playing cautiously against deliveries outside off-stump," he shared on his YouTube channel.
Pathan also praised Kohli's ability to handle fast bowlers, particularly highlighting a six he hit off Marco Jansen's short delivery, which showcased Kohli's impeccable timing and quick reflexes.
"Kohli consistently steps out to fast bowlers, appearing to have ample time at the crease. His six off Jansen's short ball illustrates that not every batsman can manage that kind of timing," Pathan remarked.
Furthermore, Pathan noted that Kohli had effective responses to South Africa's strategies, waiting for balls in his scoring zone and adeptly taking singles and doubles.
"As bowlers adjust their game plans, Kohli also devises new strategies. He has answers for every South African tactic. In the last match, he faced an off-spinner, and in this game, a left-arm spinner, which he countered effectively," Pathan added.
"He was patient, waiting for the right deliveries, and his ability to take singles and doubles from the back foot was impressive. His century celebrations indicate that the old Virat Kohli has returned, and his enthusiasm when celebrating wickets is a significant positive for India in ODIs," Pathan concluded.
Statistically, Kohli has been a formidable opponent for South Africa in ODIs, amassing 1,741 runs in 33 matches and 31 innings at an impressive average of 69.64 and a strike rate of 88.51, including seven centuries and eight fifties. This record marks him as the leading century-maker against South Africa in ODI history.
Despite Kohli's achievements, Aiden Markram's explosive century, along with solid fifties from Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke, overshadowed the centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kohli, as the Proteas successfully chased down 359 runs in Raipur.
This victory levels the three-match ODI series at 1-1, with the next match scheduled for Saturday at the Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.