Virat Kohli put on a show with the bat to help India register a comfortable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second T20I at PCA Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday (September 18).
Chasing 150 to win, India lost vice-captain Rohit Sharma (12) cheaply but the skipper looked in his element. Kohli dominated the Proteas bowlers right from the outset and finished with 72 not out off 52 balls (4 fours and 3 sixes) to take the team over the line with one over to spare.
With his unbeaten knock, Virat took his T20I average to 50 (precisely 50.85 from 66 innings) and once again became the only batsman in the world to boast an average of 50+ across all three formats.
While there are some players who enjoy success in one particular format and find it difficult to adapt in others, Kohli has mastered every single version of the game.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, the Indian captain was asked what keeps him going in every format that he plays. To which, he replied that the badge in front of his shirt motivates him to play to the best of his abilities and get his side across the line.
"The badge in front of my shirt - India - it is a pride to play for my country. Whatever it takes, whichever format, to get us across the line, I'll do that," Kohli quoted.
Sharing his thought process on adaptation, he said: "Adapting in different formats is nothing but a mindset of making your team win. If you want to win a game for your team, you will find a way. That's the most important thing".
Virat also stressed that he always puts the team ahead of himself.
"I never think for myself, it's always about what the team needs. Test cricket, one-day cricket ... the will should be to win the game for your country," the skipper asserted.
Kohli hailed the efforts of his bowlers and lauded them for pulling things back in the death overs.
"The pitch was very good and an outstanding effort from the bowlers to pull things back.
"As long as they show character in difficult situations, they are going to present a strong case for themselves in the future.
"Lot of positive signs for us and they'll get many more games to prove their mettle. They are going in the right direction," he concluded.
The third and final T20I of the series will be played at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday (September 22).
