IND vs SA: 'Virat Kohli's brain works like an AI computer' - Abhishek Nayar

Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar praised Rohit Sharma's aggressive batting approach that transformed ODI cricket, while analyzing both Sharma and Virat Kohli's performances in the ODI series against South Africa, currently tied at 1-1 ahead of the ongoing decisive match in Visakhapatnam.

Rohit Sharma has scored 71 runs in two innings in the current series against South Africa.



In the first ODI at Ranchi, Sharma scored 57 runs off 51 balls, including three sixes and five fours, before being dismissed leg before wicket by Marco Jansen.

The second ODI at Raipur saw Sharma score 14 runs off eight balls with three fours before being caught behind off Nandre Burger's bowling.

"Rohit Sharma has transitioned well in ODIs. From starting lower down the order, early on in his career to becoming a secure opener. This is where he truly evolved, changing how India plays white-ball cricket by adopting an aggressive approach focused on hitting sixes rather than just accumulating runs. His leadership by example, playing without worrying about centuries, has raised team standards," Nayar told JioStar.

"Rohit Sharma hasn't stepped out to hit big shots mainly due to swinging conditions in this series. When he feels the ball isn't swinging much, he confidently takes on bowlers.

"He's been careful with his footwork because of uncertain pitch bounce. But in familiar Vizag conditions, we'll likely see his aggressive stepping-out game return."

Virat Kohli has displayed exceptional form in the series, scoring 135 and 102 in the first two ODIs against South Africa.

"One of the greatest things Virat Kohli has done this series against South Africa is how he hits the ball at the key moments. His greatness is in how straight his bat path comes down to impact the ball. We didn't see that a lot before.

"The bat used to open up. But here, every single time you see him hit the ball, his head is right over it. That happens very regularly. He brings the bat down in line with the ball, even when it is angling away.

"He manages to play it straight all the time. That is his greatness and a main reason he has been so successful.

"Virat has changed his batting a lot since the Australia tour, mainly in his tactics. If you see his last two ODI innings against South Africa, every single shot comes from a different guard.

"He's been on leg stump, on middle stump and on off stump as well. He's made those changes so he can adapt to every length. He's used his feet, been deep in the crease, and been outside the crease.

"His brain has worked like an AI computer, trying to figure everything out. Also, the conditions have helped the style of cricket Virat wants to play."

The series decider is being played in Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.