Virat Kohli's batting performance in the South Africa v India (2018) series

[Dead Ball]

- Only batsman from both sides to score a ton in this series.

- Only batsman to average 40+ in the series (averages 48 in this series, the next best batsmen, Amla and ABDV, both average around 35)

- Outperformed both ABDV and Amla, and that too facing a challenging SA attack in some of the most challenging conditions. There is a huge gap in the quality of bowlers faced by Kohli and ABDV/Amla. That has to be considered.

- Carried a non performing top order on his shoulders (Averages of Indian top 5 in this series - Pujara 17, Vijay 17, Rahul 8, Patel 16, Sharma 19, Rahane 28 etc)

Regardless of whether India wins or looses the third test, i think Kohli's performance as a batsman in this series should be commended and remembered.

 

[Buffet]

He batted very well in this series and scored runs in both innings in the 3rd test when ball was doing a lot.

 

[Dead Ball]

Elgar has a huge chance to score a ton in this innings though.

 

[Ab Fan]

Fantastic performance. He manages to silent all the critics IMO.

Winning or losing is a function of team not individuals.

MOM if India wins.

 

[Tusker]

- Only batsman from both sides to score a ton in this series.

- Only batsman to average 40+ in the series (averages 48 in this series, the next best batsmen, Amla and ABDV, both average around 35)

- Outperformed both ABDV and Amla, and that too facing a challenging SA attack in some of the most challenging conditions. There is a huge gap in the quality of bowlers faced by Kohli and ABDV/Amla. That has to be considered.

- Carried a non performing top order on his shoulders (Averages of Indian top 5 in this series - Pujara 17, Vijay 17, Rahul 8, Patel 16, Sharma 19, Rahane 28 etc)

Regardless of whether India wins or looses the third test, i think Kohli's performance as a batsman in this series should be commended and remembered.

Pitch was flat (only) when he was batting. Pitches were brutal when others were batting.

Pretty sure some of the resident batting experts will come and tell you that.

 

[Dingolfy]

Only England is left for his redumption.But then, don't know whether Anderson will still be in good form when that happens. He was humiliated last time by Jimmy.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Who said he cant bat if the ball moves?

 

[Bilal7]

He batted extremely well in the third test. Probably the best innings he's played since his hundred at the same venue five years ago. However, that 150 he scored in Centurion came on an Indian-style pitch in good batting conditions. Doesn't tell us anything about his ability to play match-winning knocks outside Asia.

 

[Buffet]

Who said he cant bat if the ball moves?

First test , first inning in the last tour, ball was moving and he got a ton here. He can bat fine when ball is moving despite not doing well in Eng last time. He seems to also gotten a lot more patient.

 

[Tusker]

He batted extremely well in the third test. Probably the best innings he's played since his hundred at the same venue five years ago.

thats probably because EVEN you cant possibly claim to have watched all matches in between involving Kohli.

However, that 150 he scored in Centurion came on an Indian-style pitch in good batting conditions. Doesn't tell us anything about his ability to play match-winning knocks outside Asia.

is that why no one else from both sides didnt even come close to matching Kohli ?

 

[Dead Ball]

He batted extremely well in the third test. Probably the best innings he's played since his hundred at the same venue five years ago. However, that 150 he scored in Centurion came on an Indian-style pitch in good batting conditions. Doesn't tell us anything about his ability to play match-winning knocks outside Asia.

Talking about good batting conditions in SA, Pakistan's tour to SA in 2002/2003 comes to mind. The SA batsmen were scoring centuries and half centuries for fun -

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64023/south-africa-vs-pakistan-2nd-test/

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64022/south-africa-vs-pakistan-1st-test/

Scoring has been nowhere close to being as simple in this series for even SA batsmen.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Elgar has s chance to score century n win this for SA.

 

[Bilal7]

thats probably because EVEN you cant possibly claim to have watched all matches in between involving Kohli.



is that why no one else from both sides didnt even come close to matching Kohli ?

I haven't watched Kohli bat in every single game but I know for a fact that the three innings I mentioned are three of his best. Amla and ABD scored 80 runs each and Amla was only dismissed due to a run-out. Besides, it makes sense to reason that a Kohli in his prime will do better on an Indian pitch than an Amla or ABD who are well past their primes.

 

[Bilal7]

Talking about good batting conditions in SA, Pakistan's tour to SA in 2002/2003 comes to mind. The SA batsmen were scoring centuries and half centuries for fun -

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64023/south-africa-vs-pakistan-2nd-test/

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64022/south-africa-vs-pakistan-1st-test/

Scoring has been nowhere close to being as simple in this series for even SA batsmen.

Yes, scoring in the first and last test match has been very difficult which is why Kohli deserves special praise from his two innings at Jo'Burg. MOTM if India win.

 

[Mamoon]

Legendary batsman. There was never any doubt over his ability to handle tough conditions. It was a matter of time only.

 

[AlizeeFan]

He batted extremely well in the third test. Probably the best innings he's played since his hundred at the same venue five years ago. However, that 150 he scored in Centurion came on an Indian-style pitch in good batting conditions. Doesn't tell us anything about his ability to play match-winning knocks outside Asia.

Indo style?

Which Indian batsman scored 50 in that match? He outscored everyone by large margin.

Moreover, both teams hardly managed 300 runs in inning. He scored half of that.

It wasn't a turner, but a more of variable bounce pitch.

Scored 95 runs in this match.

 

[in_cutter]

High class. Whereas ABD fluffed it.

Kohli>>>ABD

 

[AlizeeFan]

It's not just about scoring runs. When all batsmen have looked to survive and fight, he has scored at SR of 60.

He has scored freely and watching him felt as if he was playing on completely different pitch. That's the type of batting which separates very good batsmen from great ones.

 

[Tusker]

I haven't watched Kohli bat in every single game but I know for a fact that the three innings I mentioned are three of his best.

That hasnt stopped you before from passing judgement on Kohli's batting skills... perhaps the burning desire to rabble rouse gets in the way I suppose ?

Amla and ABD scored 80 runs each and Amla was only dismissed due to a run-out. Besides, it makes sense to reason that a Kohli in his prime will do better on an Indian pitch than an Amla or ABD who are well past their primes.

lol ingenious excuses ... run-out and past prime ehh? )

 

[CadPakFan]

Talking about good batting conditions in SA, Pakistan's tour to SA in 2002/2003 comes to mind. The SA batsmen were scoring centuries and half centuries for fun -

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64023/south-africa-vs-pakistan-2nd-test/

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64022/south-africa-vs-pakistan-1st-test/

Scoring has been nowhere close to being as simple in this series for even SA batsmen.

Taufeeq Umar making runs for fun in SA?????????
Mohammad Yousuf playing at 172 SR???????
What type of game is this? (2nd Test)

 

[shaz619]

Great series for him he has performed well in SA generally, but Rahane deserves a lot of praise to who featured in the side where India finally won but he won't get as much credit unfortunately

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Gun performance overall on pitches against a far superior bowling attack compared to ours.

 

[Romali_rotti]

On the way to being a GOAT bat, however England series still remains. If he can play well in ENG, he is imo the slightly better batsmen than Steve Smith...

 

[Romali_rotti]

The first test we can forgive him for, just got married, in lala land, his mind is not there. However he showed his talent on the test that India won, on the toughest wicket of the series, it had steep bounce and movement, he scored consistently which helped India win..

 

[BaankeJi]

He batted extremely well in the third test. Probably the best innings he's played since his hundred at the same venue five years ago. However, that 150 he scored in Centurion came on an Indian-style pitch in good batting conditions. Doesn't tell us anything about his ability to play match-winning knocks outside Asia.

You are being very unfair about that 150. That was a top knock. Batting was not easy even then. Besides, some classy shots marked that innings.

 

[subbu]

arguably Best Batsman of the Series

 

[Abdul]

Beast. He's impeccable.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Best of his test career.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Just need to perform in England now to silence his remaining critics. He carries the whole batting line up alone. Players like Pujara, Rahul has to step up away from India too.

 

[Buffet]

Best series for him in my opinion.

 

[dravidthewall]

His only competator in test is steven smith..both are legendary batsman...

 

[SandyB]

ONLY England remains. What I find amazing is the his SR is always 60+, even when he's performing overseas. That's something you only saw in the absolute greats like Sachin , ponting etc. Even smith score at 55+ SR most of the time I think (Kohli is faster in tests, but not better).

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

I haven't watched Kohli bat in every single game but I know for a fact that the three innings I mentioned are three of his best. Amla and ABD scored 80 runs each and Amla was only dismissed due to a run-out. Besides, it makes sense to reason that a Kohli in his prime will do better on an Indian pitch than an Amla or ABD who are well past their primes.

If that was an indian pitch then ashwin would have got a fifer or tenfer and other indian batsman would have scored too.
That was noway an indian pitch.

 

[Savage]

Best series for him in my opinion.

Yes

It was more memorable series for him than Australia 2014-15 series for many reasons.

1 He was highest run scorer of this series

2 Against Australia he was labelled as FTB by many fans because 3 out his 4 centuries were scored on flat tracks.There was not a single flat track in this series.

3 He played match-winning knock of 54 and 41.(On most difficult batting track and was India's best batsmen in that test)

 

[pillionrider]

Best batsman in the world.

Should have got Man of the Series. This was a bowler-friendly series and he stood out.

 

[Markhor]

Very good in challenging conditions - however its his selection choices and tactical moves that overshadows his batting in this series.

A story of what could've been.

 

[Markhor]

Taufeeq Umar making runs for fun in SA?????????
Mohammad Yousuf playing at 172 SR???????
What type of game is this? (2nd Test)

Was a horrible, horrible series. Our bowlers got murdered.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Talking about good batting conditions in SA, Pakistan's tour to SA in 2002/2003 comes to mind. The SA batsmen were scoring centuries and half centuries for fun -

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64023/south-africa-vs-pakistan-2nd-test/

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15251/scorecard/64022/south-africa-vs-pakistan-1st-test/

Scoring has been nowhere close to being as simple in this series for even SA batsmen.

I actually watched this series and Pakistan's bowling was utter rubbish. Waqar was trundling and Sami just couldn't find his length. Also that was the end of Saqlain. Gibbs and Smith hammered him like no tomorrow. The pitches were not that flat.

 

[Chrish]

Best Asian batsman ever in SA after Sachin.

 

[unitedkush]

England remains the final frontier for him, to finish highest scorer in a series with an average of 47.66 when Top 6 from both sides averaged in mid 20s is quite remarkable. Also, it needs to be emphasized the second highest scorer behind him scored 75 fewer runs than him.

To those who are not rating his 153 because it was a 'subcontinent' type pitch are doing that knock a huge disservice, the pitch was two paced with variable bounce throughout. With wickets constantly falling at one end he converted into a daddy hundred and if Pandya had not been an idiot he might have very well made that into a double. This is by far his best away Test series taking into account the conditions, the pitch and the opposition.

 

[Savak]

This was his biggest career test which he passed with flying colors.

 

[big_gamer007]

AS a batsmen one of his best series as a captain it was a pathetic series and he deserves the blame for us losing the series due to his poor selections..

 

[Bhaijaan]

Given the way other batsmen have fared in this test series, Virat's performances seem pretty respect worthy and like someone mentioned above what's special about his efforts was him scoring at a very good strike rate. You know for a fact that runs are gonna be flowing freely for as long as he's out there and that's what makes him a top batsman.


8.5/10

Well done.

 

[Hasan123]

One of his best series as a test player. Shut some of PP experts up by playing good knocks in difficult conditions.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Too much praise for a mere good performance.

Great batsman but it is not like he was a standout batsmen throughout the series with some big scores.

 

[Sidilicious]

Too much praise for a mere good performance.

Great batsman but it is not like he was a standout batsmen throughout the series with some big scores.

The only century maker of the series. Scored nearly 100 runs in the most difficult pitch in the series.

 

[JaDed]

This was his biggest career test which he passed with flying colors.

No that will always be England.

 

[JaDed]

Too much praise for a mere good performance.

Great batsman but it is not like he was a standout batsmen throughout the series with some big scores.

Please go check the score,also the highest run scorer in the series.His batting avg is 47 and the next best ABD at 35.

 

[English August]

No that will always be England.

Performance in England is overrated. Kohli has proven himself in all conditions, and doesn't need to pass some artificial "test" created by jealous folks in PakPassion.

Cook has scored more than 5000 runs in England. Doesn't make him a better batsman than Tendulkar, Dravid, Ponting, Kallis, Lara, etc.

 

[drrashmin]

Performance in England is overrated. Kohli has proven himself in all conditions, and doesn't need to pass some artificial "test" created by jealous folks in PakPassion.

Cook has scored more than 5000 runs in England. Doesn't make him a better batsman than Tendulkar, Dravid, Ponting, Kallis, Lara, etc.

I hope all the PPers read this and try to understand this, otherwise no need to consider Ponting and Steve Waugh ATG batsmen for their failures in India and SL respectively.

 

[Mr.Q]

Great performance. Proved once again he's the best batsman in the world. There is no 'fab four' now. Kohli is clearly ahead of the rest overall. Root and Williamson aren't close to him in any format of the game. Smith I think is a bit more effective in Tests than Kohli. But he too is nowhere near Kohli in ODIs and T20s. There is only one clear champ across formats and that's Kohli. The command he has over all three formats of the game is quite unbelievable. I don't think even his enemies would argue with this.

 

[The_Odd_One]

The only century maker of the series. Scored nearly 100 runs in the most difficult pitch in the series.

He was the best batsman in the series, I know.

However, reading this thread, it seems like he hit multiple centuries in this series.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Please go check the score,also the highest run scorer in the series.His batting avg is 47 and the next best ABD at 35.

Relax. It's 47, not 107. Kohli batted well but this is no superhuman batting performance.

 

[Snow]

Relax. It's 47, not 107. Kohli batted well but this is no superhuman batting performance.

47 batting average where average score is about 200 is close to 107 in normal conditions.

 

[The_Odd_One]

47 batting average where average score is about 200 is close to 107 in normal conditions.

Lots of batsmen scored 50s. Kohli was consistent but not a standout performer. Pujara scored equally valuable runs in the first inning and Rahane did that in the 2nd. I see no praise for them anywhere.

 

[Mobashir]

It was a very good series overall for Kohli.

But great series or fantastic series are way over the top.

He did fail in the two most important innings of the series, Chasing chasable targets.
There is no equivalent to perform under high pressure and he did fail both times at it.

ABDV was having a very good comeback test series also, but as he failed in the last chase it ruined it all. Amla and Elgar made this score chasable.

 

[pakistani pride]

Legendary batsman. There was never any doubt over his ability to handle tough conditions. It was a matter of time only.

How sorry that despite another legendary batsmen India AGAIN lost a test series in SA.

 

[Buffet]

Lots of batsmen scored 50s. Kohli was consistent but not a standout performer. Pujara scored equally valuable runs in the first inning and Rahane did that in the 2nd. I see no praise for them anywhere.

I think you are being too harsh here. SA bowling attack was top class and pitch was not easy to bat. You are not going to see anyone averaging 80 in these pitches against this SA bowling unit. Either pitch has to be easier or bowling has to be easier for that.

Single ton from either side in this series came from Kohli. You are citing Pujara in one inning and Rahane in other, but Kohli scored in both innings. How is he not a standout performer? Nothing superhuman about his performance, but surely a standout performer in this series.

 

[Sidilicious]

How sorry that despite another legendary batsmen India AGAIN lost a test series in SA.

When did Pakistan win a series in SA despite having an ATG bowling attack?

 

[English August]

When did Pakistan win a series in SA despite having an ATG bowling attack?

Or for that matter in Australia. W&W were humiliated 0-3 in Aus in 1999-2000.

 

[Sin Nombre]

This was as good as Smith in India last year.

Of course, PP was (correctly) unanimous in praising Smith and there were no comments that they lost yet another series and only barely avoided losing 3 test matches in a row.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Or for that matter in Australia. W&W were humiliated 0-3 in Aus in 1999-2000.

W and W plus SA plus SM. Thats a bowling attack even beasts will fear.

 

[giri26]

Good series for Virat as a batsman but poor one as the leader of the team. I hope he learns from his mistakes in this series and does not repeat the same in England and Australia.

 

[Mp812]

When did Pakistan win a series in SA despite having an ATG bowling attack?

The atg bowling won the series in 1994. And 2o04 and in 2014. Then it was time to wake up and go to school

 

[Bilal7]

This was as good as Smith in India last year.

Of course, PP was (correctly) unanimous in praising Smith and there were no comments that they lost yet another series and only barely avoided losing 3 test matches in a row.

Smith scored a ton on a viciously turning pitch. Kohli scored his ton on a subcontinent style one. One batsman did well outside his comfort-zone while the other just did what everyone already knows he can do.

It was a very good series for Kohli and he definitely proved to me that his gameplay against the moving ball has improved. However, he still has ways to go before some of the ridiculous hype around him can be justified.

 

[Bilal7]

W and W plus SA plus SM. Thats a bowling attack even beasts will fear.

Looks better on paper than it was on the field.

 

[Bilal7]

When did Pakistan win a series in SA despite having an ATG bowling attack?

2013. Didn't even need an ATG bowling attack to do it. Just a very good one.

 

[kingusama92]

Anyone doubting Kohli is in a losing battle.

The England stain on his record will be put away in August-September. No doubt about it.

 

[leatherface58]

Kohli is the real deal.

 

[Nitya85]

Test Series

 

[Nitya85]

2013. Didn't even need an ATG bowling attack to do it. Just a very good one.

Test Series ki baat ho rahi hai bhai
2-1 odi series win in 2013 and u still boasting abt it

 

[Sadevdesai]

He is feisty by nature and is always wound up tight .... and that makes him a marked man .... unfortunate !!! Specially, when the Indians are fielding .... unfortunate !!! Do you think some higher ups have told him few things ..... or he has brushed them off too ????

 

[Madplayer]

What was so special about his performances? Scored a good 100 in Indian conditions and scored 50s when others were scoring 50s too.

The only standout and an extra ordinary innings by him on this tour was his final innings of 41. Now that is an innings which deserves to be called legendary. The 50 in the first innings of the same test match was also a very good innings so it deserves a mention too, however it was a bit of flukey inning given he was dropped early one by Philander.

Overall, a good series for him but not a special one given the hype which surrounds him.

 

[Mobashir]

Legendary batsman. There was never any doubt over his ability to handle tough conditions. It was a matter of time only.

What about him missing out in the most important innings of the series?
While chasing chasable targets.

Is it a case of him not being good in pressure situations once again?

 

[soso_killer]

Didn't Elgar average 40 opening the batting on these conditions? Gun batsman.

 

[Vildoc]

What was so special about his performances? Scored a good 100 in Indian conditions and scored 50s when others were scoring 50s too.

The only standout and an extra ordinary innings by him on this tour was his final innings of 41. Now that is an innings which deserves to be called legendary. The 50 in the first innings of the same test match was also a very good innings so it deserves a mention too, however it was a bit of flukey inning given he was dropped early one by Philander.

Overall, a good series for him but not a special one given the hype which surrounds him.

Your Logic is flawed. The so called Indian conditions was a pitch with variable bounce where no other batsman from either team scored a ton. The fact that you don't count an innings just because someone dropped a catch is somewhat confusing. You mean to say overall great batsmen throughout the cricketing history should take out their best performances just because they got a life. Pretty skewed logic that.

 

[Vildoc]

What about him missing out in the most important innings of the series?
While chasing chasable targets.

Is it a case of him not being good in pressure situations once again?

I don't think so. The third test India had to reach a total of 180- 220 to be in the drivers seat. Virat scored a brilliant 41 which proved decisive along with Rahane's wonderful innings.

 

[Dead Ball]

Didn't Elgar average 40 opening the batting on these conditions? Gun batsman.

Great performance.

Although one was facing Ishant, Kumar, Shami at home and the other was facing Rabada, Philander, Morkel away.There is a massive difference of class in the bowling attacks although India bowled decent.

 

[Madplayer]

Your Logic is flawed. The so called Indian conditions was a pitch with variable bounce where no other batsman from either team scored a ton. The fact that you don't count an innings just because someone dropped a catch is somewhat confusing. You mean to say overall great batsmen throughout the cricketing history should take out their best performances just because they got a life. Pretty skewed logic that.

Obviously Saffers didnt find the pitch comfortable because of it didnt have the pace and bounce they are used to. Its not rocket science to figure out why nobody from their side scored a ton on that pitch. On the other hand Kohli is used to playing on such surfaces. The fact that other Indian batsmen failed on that surface is a combo of pressure and some good bowling by world class SA pacers who are superior to Indian pacers by a big margin. Nobody can deny that.

About you second point, where did i say i dont rate Kohli's innings because he was dropped. I have clearly mentioned it was a very good innings deserving a mention. I just pointed out a fact that it wasnt as flawless as some of the other innings which Kohli has played.

 

[Mobashir]

I don't think so. The third test India had to reach a total of 180- 220 to be in the drivers seat. Virat scored a brilliant 41 which proved decisive along with Rahane's wonderful innings.

Kohli, Rahane and Bhuv were brilliant in this innings.
It’s not the same thing chasing a target and setting a target in these conditions.
And despite the fact that every test is important the third test hasn’t got the same value as the first two when you are 2-0 down.