Virat Kohli’s brain has worked like an AI computer: Abhishek Nayar

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has heaped praise on the Indian talismanic No.3 batter Virat Kohli, who was in excellent form in the just-concluded three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Speaking exclusively on JioStar, Nayar has revealed the minute technical details that Kohli implemented in the South Africa ODI series, which were missing in the past few series, adding that every single shot came from a different guard in the just-concluded series.

"One of the greatest things Virat Kohli has done this series against South Africa is how he hits the ball at the key moments. His greatness is in how straight his bat path comes down to impact the ball. We didn't see that a lot before,” Abhishek Nayar told JioStar.

"The bat used to open up. But here, every single time you see him hit the ball, his head is right over it. That happens very regularly. He brings the bat down in line with the ball, even when it is angling away,” he noted.

For the unversed, Kohli started the three-match ODI series with a 135-run knock in the Ranchi ODI as India bagged a 17-run win. Later in the second ODI in Raipur, he smacked a 102-run knock while India suffered a four-wicket defeat. 

In the third and final ODI, Kohli went on to score an unbeaten 65-run knock in the chase in Visakhapatnam as India bagged a comfortable nine-wicket win. Eventually, he was adjudged the player of the series.

"He manages to play it straight all the time. That is his greatness and a main reason he has been so successful. Virat has changed his batting a lot since the Australia tour, mainly in his tactics. If you see his last two ODI innings against South Africa, every single shot comes from a different guard,” he observed. 

"He's been on leg stump, on middle stump and on off stump as well. He's made those changes so he can adapt to every length. He's used his feet, been deep in the crease, and been outside the crease,” he emphasised. 

"His brain has worked like an AI computer, trying to figure everything out. Also, the conditions have helped the style of cricket Virat wants to play,” he concluded.

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