10 years of Kohli’s International Career: 10 of his most significant match-winning performances

#9 54 & 41 vs South Africa - 3rd Test at Wanderers - 2018

After 9 consecutive Test series wins under Kohli - all in tropical conditions - the South Africa tour was his first big assignment. India lost the first two Test matches and the series, mainly because of poor batting. Kohli was the only batsman who was performing, and even a brilliant 153 wasn’t enough for India to win the 2nd Test. However, the team was up for the challenge in the 3rd Test and certainly not ready to concede a whitewash.

Kohli punches one vs South Africa, 3rd Test at Wanderers, Johannesburg, Jan 24-27 2018

Deciding to bat first, India lost both their openers with the score at 13. While Pujara was focused on staying in rather than pushing the run rate, Kohli played his natural game. A 84-run partnership ensured that India were out of trouble, but only for a moment or so, as the team collapsed to a total of 187. An inspiring bowling performance meant that India were just trailing by seven runs in the first innings. India struggled in the second innings as well, and only Kohli and Rahane scored in their 40s, ensuring a decent target of 241 for South Africa. The bowlers didn’t disappoint, and India won the match by 63 runs. In the first seven years of his Test career and three years of his captaincy, this was India’s first win in South Africa.