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Kuldeep Yadav Reveals How Kohli's 135 Felt Like Time Travel to 2016

Kuldeep Yadav was amazed by Virat Kohli's batting in the first ODI against South Africa. He said it felt like watching Kohli from his peak years between 2016 and 2019 all over again. Kohli's confident 135-run knock was crucial in securing India's victory. The spinner also highlighted the valuable insights the team's seniors consistently provide.

Key Points: Kuldeep Yadav Says Kohli's 135 vs SA Felt Like 8-9 Years Back

  • Kuldeep felt Kohli's innings was a throwback to his 2016-2019 peak form
  • Kohli scored a blistering 135 to guide India to a 17-run victory
  • The knock earned Kohli the Player of the Match award in the first ODI
  • Kuldeep praised the learning environment and inputs from seniors like Kohli
2 min read

'Felt like I had gone 8-9 years back,' says Kuldeep on Kohli's ravishing 135 against Proteas

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav says Virat Kohli's match-winning 135 against South Africa felt like a throwback to his dominant 2016-2019 batting era.

"The way he batted, I felt I had gone back 8-9 years, the way he was batting in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2016 even. - Kuldeep Yadav"

New Delhi, Dec 1

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav said he felt as though he had been taken back almost a decade after witnessing Virat Kohli’s innings against South Africa. He opined that the former captain is still batting the way he used to between 2016 and 2019.”

Kohli turned back the clock with a blistering 135-run knock against the Proteas on Sunday as the two teams squared off in the first ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

The 37-year-old scored a composed fifty and was quick to convert it into a ton as he took on the opposition bowlers with flair and style. Though he couldn’t remain unbeaten at the end of the innings, his fireworks proved sufficient for India’s win as he rightfully bagged the Player of the Match award.

Speaking to bcci.tv, Kuldeep praised Kohli for his confident knock, saying, “My career started with Virat Bhai when he was the captain. The way he batted, I felt I had gone back 8-9 years, the way he was batting in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2016 even. It was a very good innings and he looked very confident. Whatever his shot selection was, the ball was coming nicely off the bat.”

Kuldeep also stated that Kohli and the seniors on the side keep providing insights to the bowlers and share inputs on what the pacers and spinners can do to improve their games.

“It feels good being around him. You get to learn a lot. You always get inputs. Even in bowling, you get inputs as to what you can do. It feels good to be with the seniors. There is energy and intensity in the team, as you have seen in the field. We are very lucky with it.”

Having taken a 1-0 lead with a 17-run win in the series opener, India will now host South Africa at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday for the second ODI.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, watching this innings was incredible. The timing and placement were perfect. It's great to see a legend like Kohli still inspiring the younger players like Kuldeep.
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Aditya G
Absolutely right, Kuldeep! That was vintage Virat. The energy he brings to the team is unmatched. Hope he carries this form into the World Cup next year. Jai Hind!
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Priyanka N
While the innings was brilliant, we must also appreciate the team environment Kuldeep mentioned. The seniors guiding the youngsters is what builds a champion side. That's the real takeaway for me.
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Michael C
Respectful criticism: As amazing as it was, I hope the team management doesn't become over-reliant on Kohli's heroics. We need to consistently develop the middle order to share the burden, especially in ODIs.
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Kavya N
Waah! What an innings! 🎉 My whole family was glued to the TV. It felt like Diwali came early. The way he played those cover drives... simply magical. Can't wait for the Raipur match!

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