Virat Kohli is looking like a man on a mission, given his form: Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on Virat Kohli, who bagged the player of the series award for two centuries and an unbeaten half-century in the three-match ODI series against South Africa as India sealed the series 2-1.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan asserted that if South Africa had put up more runs on the board in the first innings, fans could have witnessed the third consecutive century from Kohli’s willow in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6.

"There was no surprise over Virat Kohli achieving the Player of the Series award. If South Africa had scored more runs, then a third century would have also come because he was unbeaten. We wish this were a five-game series. He has batted outstandingly after coming in at different entry points. Kohli hit seven sixes in the first game and two in the second. His fitness was also top-notch," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"But his entry point was after the halfway stage in the third ODI, and he still looked comfortable. For any top-order batter, usually the challenge is the entry point being too late. Kohli is looking like a man on a mission, given his form. It is crucial for Indian cricket to have his form going," he added.

Furthermore, Pathan also hailed the veteran opening batter Rohit Sharma, who scored an impressive half-century and missed out on scoring a century in the third and final ODI. The former all-rounder lauded Sharma for negating the early swing and supporting Yashasvi Jaiswal from the other end.

"On the other hand, Rohit Sharma looked upset due to missing his ton. But one thing is certain, given the way he is batting. When he steps down to a bowler, he pulls, defends and leaves. Ottneil Baartman was swinging the ball well, so Rohit’s plan was to negate it. He is using his experience well. The way he supported Yashasvi Jaiswal was also important. Jaiswal doesn’t rotate the strike much, so Rohit showed patience,” he concluded.

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