Team India is preparing hard for their next assignment which is the ODI series against South Africa. For the limited over series, players are already stated practice in the nets. Interestingly, Virat Kohli was seen batting in the same net with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both players had been interacting with eachother during their batting and we’re looking in good touch also.
Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad batting together
The reason for the fear of Kohli is that Virat has thoroughly thrashed South Africa in the 31 ODIs he has played against them. His 1504 runs, average of 65.39, and 5 centuries in these matches speak volumes. But these statistics also have a USP, which is widely discussed among fans. And that is Kohli’s ability to thrash South Africa’s bowlers more abroad and on South African soil than in India.
Kohli has played only 10 ODIs against South Africa on Indian soil. In these 10 matches, he has scored 435 runs at an average of 54.37, including two centuries. However, when it comes to foreign soil, Kohli’s bat has been more effective. In 17 ODIs on South African soil, Kohli has averaged 74.83 with seven centuries. In England, he has scored 125 runs at an average of 62.50 in three ODIs against the Proteas. His average in South Africa is 74.83, while in India it is 54.37.
And the reason for fear is that if Kohli can achieve such an average in difficult conditions, what will happen to them in the next three matches? By the way, Kohli has also played one match against South Africa in Australia, and in that one match too, he scored 46 runs.
Watch Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad batting in nets
Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad were seen taking turns in the same net. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/jSHDDW5ZYJ
— Xanthove (@SSA_807) November 29, 2025
