After scoring an incredible 160-run knock (not out) in the third ODI to lead India to a 3-0 lead in the six-match series, the India skipper Virat Kohli admitted that intensity is the factor that makes his score runs like a machine.
“I am a guy who likes to play with intensity. Once that is gone, I don’t know what I am going to do on the field. I try to protect that,” Kohli said in the post-match conference on Thursday.
Talking about his target for four-five years down the line, Kohli said: "Look, I am going to be 30 this year. The decision was in terms of extending the quality of cricket that you want to play at an older age as well. I want to play this kind of cricket even when I am 34-35. That’s why I train so much."
“I try to train as much as I can. Keep a check on my diet. Those things pay off on days like these. When the team needs it, and you stand up, and you are able to pull through," he added.
Motivated by Kohli's knock, wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets each as India defeated South Africa by 124 runs in the third ODI.
Kohli reaffirmed his status as an ODI great with an unbeaten 160 off 159 balls on a challenging surface, propelling India to 303 for six.
It was the 34th ODI hundred for the Indian captain, who is now 15 shy of Sachin Tendulkar's mark of 49.
Kohli has been simply unstoppable in the 50-over format of late and Wednesday's match-winning effort was his fourth three-figure score in the last six ODIs. It was also his second hundred of the series and third of the tour. (Read full story)
