By Admin 
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has praised the disciplined and thoughtful approach of Virat Kohli, who scored 135 runs during the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday. India won this match and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli was chosen ‘Player of the Match’.
Virat Kohli played an inning of 135 runs in 120 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes. On the basis of his innings, India scored 349 runs losing 8 wickets, in response to which the South African team was reduced to 332 runs in 49.2 overs.
Talking about Kohli’s technique and temperament, Gavaskar has said that this charismatic player of India is successful because he understands his game better than anyone else.
Gavaskar said on Geostar, “He (Kohli) is the kind of batsman who cannot hit straight. Some batsmen can do that, but Kohli knows his game very well. He knows that is not his strength. His strength is hitting shots over the covers, playing straight drives and flick shots. Yes, he sometimes hits a six by playing a bottom-hand flick over square-leg or mid-wicket, this is the best part of batting. It’s a safe way.”
Gavaskar has mentioned Kohli’s excellent running between the wickets. Gavaskar said, “Running between the wickets is very important. Singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format. You keep taking singles and your innings keep going. Even if the batsman at the other end wants to score quick runs, Kohli bats as per the need of the team.”
After losing the Test series 0-2, Team India would like to win the ODI series against South Africa. The next match of the ODI series between the two countries is to be played in Raipur on 3 December.