New Delhi: Virat Kohli has always been known for his ability to adapt to challenging conditions, but his performance on a highly difficult pitch against South Africa was nothing short of a masterclass. On a surface that offered excessive seam movement and unpredictable bounce, Kohli stood tall, delivering two crucial knocks—54 off 106 balls in the first innings and 41 off 79 balls in the second innings.

The ICC later rated this pitch as “poor”, citing its extreme uneven bounce and difficult batting conditions. However, Kohli’s brilliance against the fiery South African pace attack turned the game into a memorable contest.

Kohli’s Resilience Against a Deadly South African Pace Attack

Batting on this unpredictable surface was a nightmare for most batters. The South African fast bowlers—armed with express pace and sharp seam movement—were making life miserable for the Indian lineup. However, Kohli showcased his supreme technique and patience, tackling the lethal bowling with confidence.

In the first innings, Kohli played a disciplined knock of 54 off 106 balls, standing firm while wickets tumbled at the other end. His ability to judge the length early, leave the ball when necessary, and capitalize on scoring opportunities highlighted why he is regarded as one of the best in the world. Despite the ball rearing up awkwardly and skidding unpredictably, he played with remarkable composure.

The second innings saw another determined effort from Kohli, as he scored 41 off 79 balls in conditions that had become even more treacherous. His innings ensured that India remained competitive, making the South African bowlers toil hard for his wicket.

Pitch Rated “Poor” by ICC, But Kohli Stood Out

Following the match, the ICC officially rated the pitch as “poor”, stating that the excessive seam movement and uneven bounce made it extremely challenging for batters. Many struggled to even survive, but Kohli’s performance proved why he is a modern-day great.

His ability to counter a world-class pace attack on one of the toughest pitches in recent history further cements his legacy as one of the best batters of this generation. Kohli’s masterclass in such conditions will be remembered as one of the finest displays of Test batting resilience.