Former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar has drawn a striking parallel between Virat Kohli's tactical acumen and an artificial intelligence computer, crediting the star batter's evolved approach for his resurgence in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. With the series locked at 1-1 after a thrilling South African four-wicket victory in the second ODI at Raipur on December 3, 2025, India eyes a decider in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Kohli, who silenced doubters with a masterful 135 off 128 balls in Ranchi and a brisk 102 off 85 in Raipur, has aggregated 237 runs at a strike rate exceeding 130, showcasing a blend of classic technique and modern aggression that has redefined his white-ball mastery.
Nayar, speaking on JioStar ahead of the third ODI, dissected Kohli's shot execution, highlighting the precision in his bat path during critical phases. "One of the greatest things Virat has done this series is how he hits the ball at key moments—his bat comes down straight, head over the ball, even against away-swingers," Nayar observed. This marks a departure from earlier inconsistencies where the blade would "open up", leading to edges or mistimed shots. Kohli's adaptability—switching guards from leg to middle to off stump, varying his crease position—has neutralised varying lengths and conditions, allowing him to dominate a Proteas attack featuring Marco Jansen and Nandre Burger, who troubled him in past encounters.
The praise extends to Kohli's mental recalibration since the gruelling 2024-25 Australia tour, where he averaged under 30 in ODIs amid form slumps. Nayar noted how Kohli's "AI-like brain" processes variables in real-time: "He's used his feet, stayed deep or outside the crease, adapting to every delivery. The conditions here—bouncy pitches with swing—have suited his style, but it's the tactical shifts that stand out." This evolution mirrors Kohli's overall ODI renaissance; post-2023 World Cup, he boasts a strike rate of 105+ across 15 innings, with four centuries, underscoring his shift from accumulator to accelerator without sacrificing solidity.
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In contrast, Nayar lauded Rohit Sharma's transformation as an opener, crediting the skipper for revolutionising India's ODI ethos through fearless six-hitting over mere run-gathering. Despite modest returns of 71 runs in two innings—57 in the opener and a quick 14 in the second—Rohit has instilled a "leadership by example" mindset, prioritising team momentum over personal milestones. Nayar explained Rohit's restrained footwork in this series stems from swinging conditions and uneven bounce but anticipated a bolder display in Vizag's familiar environs. Rohit's journey from lower-order dasher to secure opener has elevated white-ball standards, influencing a generation including Kohli.
As South Africa reached 188/4 after 30.5 overs in the ongoing third ODI—with Quinton de Kock unbeaten on 103 and Dewald Brevis on 5—India's bowlers, led by Prasidh Krishna's 2/35, seek breakthroughs to defend a competitive total or chase efficiently. The series, part of South Africa's white-ball tour from November 14 to December 19, 2025, tests India's depth ahead of the T20I leg starting December 9 in Cuttack. Kohli's form, buoyed by Nayar's insights, could prove pivotal, potentially sealing a series win and bolstering his case for the 2027 World Cup.
Nayar's comments resonate amid broader narratives on Indian cricket's evolution, where veterans like Kohli and Rohit blend experience with innovation. With the live contest at Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium drawing packed stands, fans await if Kohli's "AI precision" translates into another masterclass, propelling India to victory in this high-octane decider.
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