Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli made a spiritual visit to the revered Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, following a phenomenal individual performance that powered India to a commanding ODI series victory over South Africa. Kohli's trip to offer prayers to Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha came a day after he capped off a spectacular series with another decisive knock.
Kohli's Dominant Batting Display Earns Top Honors
Virat Kohli was in sublime touch throughout the three-match ODI contest against South Africa. After a challenging tour of Australia, he returned to his prolific best at home, smashing two consecutive centuries in the first two matches. He followed those up with an unbeaten half-century in the third and final ODI on Saturday in Vizag. His aggregate for the series was a staggering 302 runs, scored at an impressive strike rate of 117.05.
This exceptional run of form rightly earned him the Player of the Series award. Furthermore, Kohli finished the 2025 calendar year as India's leading run-scorer in the 50-over format, amassing 651 runs at an average of 65.
India's Comprehensive Series-Clinching Victory
The third ODI at the ACA VDCA Stadium proved to be a one-sided affair, with India securing a comprehensive 9-wicket win. This was in contrast to the closely fought first two matches in Ranchi and Raipur. Asked to bowl first, the Indian attack, led effectively by Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav, restricted South Africa to 270 runs despite a century from their opener Quinton de Kock.
The target proved insufficient, especially with dew making conditions easier for batting in the second innings. India chased down the total comfortably in just 40 overs. The chase was highlighted by young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who announced his arrival with a magnificent maiden ODI century. He was ably supported by captain Rohit Sharma and the in-form Virat Kohli, both of whom scored rapid fifties to seal the series.
A Spiritual Pitstop for Team India
Kohli's temple visit appears to be part of a pattern for the Indian team in Vizag. Notably, head coach Gautam Gambhir had also sought blessings at the Simhachalam Temple before the crucial series decider. Kohli's solitary visit after the match's conclusion was a quiet moment of gratitude following a public display of cricketing excellence, underscoring the deep connection between sport and spirituality for many athletes.
The series win, built on the back of Kohli's resurgence and strong team performances, provides significant momentum for the Indian side as they build towards future challenges.
