Virat Kohli Admits He Hasn't Played at This Level in Two-Three Years

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has made a stunning admission following his sensational performance in the ODI series against South Africa, declaring that he hasn’t played at this elite level for the past two to three years. The former Indian captain’s candid reflection came after he concluded the series with a staggering average of 151, underlining a remarkable return to peak form that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Series-Clinching Performance in Visakhapatnam

Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 65 as India comfortably defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the series decider at Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025. Chasing 271, India reached the target with more than 10 overs to spare, sealing a 2-1 series victory. Kohli’s composed half-century was the perfect complement to his back-to-back centuries in the first two ODI matches, showcasing the remarkable consistency that has defined this particular series.

The 36-year-old’s return to form couldn’t have been more emphatic. After suffering consecutive ducks in the ODI series in Australia—his first international appearances since the IPL concluded in June—Kohli responded with four straight 50-plus scores that demonstrated his class and mental fortitude.

Kohli’s Honest Self-Assessment

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Virat Kohli provided rare insight into his mindset and recent struggles. “Honestly, just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me,” Kohli explained. “I don’t think I’ve played at this level for a good two-three years now and I feel really free in my mind and just the whole game is coming together nicely.”

The Delhi batsman’s assessment reveals the internal battles he’s fought over recent years, a period where questions about his form and place in various formats have dominated cricket discourse. His admission that he now feels “really free” in his mind suggests a psychological breakthrough that has translated into exceptional performances on the field.

Record-Breaking Statistics

Virat Kohli’s performance in the three-match ODI series produced some extraordinary numbers that highlighted his dominance. He accumulated 302 runs across the series, finishing with an average of 151—a staggering figure that reflects not just his runs but his ability to remain unconquered when needed most.

Perhaps most remarkably, Kohli smashed a record 12 sixes during the three games, easily surpassing his personal best in any ODI series, including World Cups. This aggressive approach represented a departure from his more measured recent performances, with his series strike rate of 117.05 marking his best in an ODI series since January 2023.

The Player of the Series award was Kohli’s 22nd in international cricket and his 12th in the ODI format specifically, extending his record in this category. These accolades underscore his sustained excellence across formats and situations throughout his distinguished career.

Pushing Boundaries and Taking Risks

When asked about his six-hitting spree, Virat Kohli revealed a conscious decision to expand his game. “Well, you know, when I play freely then I know I can hit sixes,” he said. “So I just wanted to have some fun because I was batting well, just take a bit more risk, just push my own boundaries and see where I go. There’s always levels you can unlock and you just need to take a risk.”

This willingness to explore new dimensions of his batting demonstrates the mental freedom Kohli now enjoys. Rather than being constrained by expectations or past performances, he’s embracing the opportunity to evolve his game even at this advanced stage of his career.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

With more than 15 years in international cricket, Virat Kohli spoke candidly about the psychological challenges every batsman faces. “You tend to go into a space where you feel like maybe I’m not good enough, the nerves take over and that’s the beauty of sport, especially a skill like batting where you have to keep overcoming that fear every ball that you play,” he reflected.

Kohli acknowledged going through “many phases where you doubt your ability,” emphasizing that batting’s unforgiving nature—where one mistake can end an innings—creates constant mental battles. However, he framed these struggles as learning opportunities that have improved him both as a cricketer and as a person.

Looking Ahead

Virat Kohli’s resurgence in the ODI format comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket. His ability to handle any situation in the middle and bat according to match demands makes him invaluable to the team’s success. The veteran batsman’s emphasis on maintaining the standards he’s set for himself suggests he’s far from finished, with potentially more memorable performances ahead.

As Kohli himself noted, when he bats with confidence and freedom, he can make significant impacts for the team. This series against South Africa has proven that reports of his decline were premature, and that when mentally liberated, Virat Kohli remains one of the most devastating batsmen in world cricket.

FAQs

What was Virat Kohli’s average in the ODI series against South Africa?

Virat Kohli finished the three-match ODI series with an extraordinary average of 151, accumulating 302 runs including two centuries and an unbeaten half-century.

How many sixes did Virat Kohli hit in the series?

Kohli smashed a record 12 sixes during the three-match series, marking his personal best in any ODI series throughout his career, including World Cups.

When did Virat Kohli say he last played at this level?

Kohli admitted he hadn’t played at this elite level for approximately two to three years, highlighting the significance of his recent return to peak form.