South Africa tried sending an early message to Virat Kohli, with pacer Nandre Burger and the Proteas leadership placing an unusually straight short mid-off—a clear tactical move aimed at cutting off Kohli’s trademark on-drive. Marco Jansen stood almost directly in Kohli’s eyeline, signalling an aggressive, competitive strategy.
Earlier: Kohli answers with pure class
Before the field tweak, Kohli had already shown a glimpse of his touch:
Nandre Burger to Kohli, FOUR – A gorgeous, full-face drive on a good-length ball outside off. Kohli leaned forward, let the ball come, and stroked it past the non-striker for a classical boundary.
The Proteas responded immediately by pushing that very straight mid-off into place, almost daring Kohli to try the same shot again.
After four dots, Kohli responds in his own style
But Virat Kohli doesn’t stay quiet for long.
After absorbing four dot balls, Kohli unleashed a signature counterattack:
Nandre Burger to Kohli, SIX – Kohli stepped across and hammered a good-length delivery over mid-off, sailing it directly over the fielder brought in to stop him. A statement shot, right over the man placed there to frustrate him.
Next ball:
Nandre Burger to Kohli, FOUR – Back-to-back boundaries. Kohli leaned across, opened the face, and sliced it behind square; third man had no chance.
A perfect reply
From a tactical field set to “mock” his favourite scoring area to a six right above the same fielder’s head, Kohli made sure his answer came with power, precision and intent.
India off to a strong start, and Kohli is well and truly on the move.
