IND v SA | Reminder of 2016 v Australia game in Mohali gave me motivation, admits Virat Kohli

Another day, another run chase, another unbeaten Kohli innings to see India through. The Indian skipper’s ability for effortless brilliance while chasing is one of the many qualities the world of cricket has come to love about him. Against South Africa in Mohali, Kohli found inspiration from his heroics against the Aussies three years ago. That night, his 51-ball 82 took India one step closer to a World T20 title on home soil. Perhaps tonight, the stakes weren’t as high, but boy did he put on a show.

“You (Sanjay Manjrekar) reminded me of the best game of my T20 career. I got a bit of motivation from that. When you play like that and win a game for your team, it is always a good feeling. That night (2016 game vs AUS) was a revelation of how fit you can be on a cricket field,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation, reported Cricbuzz.

India won the toss and put the visitors in to bat and early on, it seemed like the wrong move as the opposition skipper, Quinton de Kock, hit it all parts. Although his opening partner Reeza Hendricks fell cheaply, de Kock put on a 57-run stand with debutant Temba Bavuma to set their innings up well for the lower middle-order to explode. However, Kohli was impressed by the inexperienced Indian attack, who read the pitch well and pegged things back at the death.

“The pitch was very good and an outstanding effort from the bowlers to pull things back. As long as they (youngsters) 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,” Kohli said.

For all the youngsters getting a shot at cementing their place in the squad for the World T20 in Australia next year, Kohli has assured his full support. But perhaps as they go about unlocking their potential, they may want to pay attention to their captain and learn the lessons of responsibility from him.

“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. 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. 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,” Kohli added.