IND vs SA 2025: Virat Kohli Teases “Something Special” Mission With Rohit Sharma for Team India
Virat Kohli wins Player of the Series after two centuries and a return to free, confident batting against South Africa.
Virat Kohli walked away with the Player of the Series award after a brilliant run of scores against South Africa. He struck back to back centuries in Ranchi and Raipur, then finished with an unbeaten 65 in Vizag to seal a strong return to top form.
Kohli said this series felt different because he finally felt free again. He admitted he had not batted with this kind of clarity for the last two to three years.
He said, “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.”
He explained that the feeling of control in the middle makes a big difference to him. He said it gives him confidence that he can handle any match situation and push it towards India. He said, “I know when I can bat like that in the middle, it helps the team a long way.”
It has always brought the best in us
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2025
Virat Kohli on the mindset he and Rohit Sharma had coming into the series decider in Vizag.
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Kohli also spoke about the pressure of a long career. After playing 15 to 16 years, he said self doubt does come in, especially for a batter who can be dismissed with one mistake. He added that the journey teaches you a lot as a person and shapes your temperament. He said he is happy he can still contribute to India in a big way.
He talked about his natural ability to hit sixes when his mind is clear. He said there are always new levels to unlock in his batting. He pointed to the first century in Ranchi as an important knock, because he had not played a game since Australia.
The former captain said energy on the day matters too. Ranchi remains special for him and he is grateful for how the three games went. He said that when a series is locked at 1-1, he and Rohit Sharma always want to do something special for the team. He said that desire has driven them for many years and still pushes them today.
Kohli said, “That’s why we have played for the team for so long. Just happy that both of us continue to do it for so long.”
