Visakhapatnam, Dec 6 (NationPress) In his first ODI series since the Australia tour, the iconic batsman Virat Kohli faced scrutiny as he entered the India versus South Africa 50-over series. With selectors leaning towards younger players, Kohli needed to showcase an outstanding performance to demonstrate his viability for the World Cup 2027.

The former captain concluded the three-match series with a remarkable performance, accumulating 302 runs at an average of 151.00. He scored back-to-back centuries in the first two matches and rounded off the series with an unbeaten 65 on Saturday, propelling India to a total of 271/1 and sealing a victory by nine wickets with 61 balls remaining.

Having quelled his critics with a phenomenal batting exhibition, Kohli expressed that the most gratifying aspect for him was being able to play according to his own style and that his entire game was coming together smoothly.

"The way I have played in this series has been incredibly satisfying for me. I feel completely free mentally; my whole game is aligning well. I've aimed to uphold my own standards and make a significant impact. I am capable of batting for long periods and adjusting to the situation," Kohli stated, who was honored as the Player of the Series for his exceptional performance.

He acknowledged that there were indeed moments of self-doubt as the pressure mounted, with everyone anticipating his explosive return to form. Kohli responded by starting strong against South Africa, picking up from where he left off against Australia with a half-century that transitioned into a superb century.

"There are phases where you encounter doubt. You feel nervous, especially in batting, where a single mistake can be costly. It's a journey towards improvement and personal growth. Recognizing negative thought patterns and working on them aids in maintaining temperament. I’m grateful to still be making contributions to the team," Kohli commented.

When asked about the series of sixes he hit towards the end of the third ODI, the 37-year-old from Delhi remarked that he can effortlessly hit sixes when he plays freely.

"When I play without constraints, I know I can hit sixes. I aimed to push my limits and perform well. The first innings was certainly the highlight of this series. Although I hadn't played since Australia, the energy on the day encouraged me to take risks, opening me up in a manner I hadn’t felt in a long time. I am thankful for the way the games have unfolded. Pressure situations bring out the best in us. I aim to contribute. It’s gratifying that both Rohit and I can still support the team effectively," Kohli disclosed during the post-match presentation.