NEW DELHI: Kuldeep Yadav took a trip down memory lane after witnessing a vintage Virat Kohli innings in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Kohli played a brilliant 135 off 120 balls, helping India post 349, after which the bowlers held their nerve to secure a narrow 17-run victory.

Kohli reminded fans and experts alike that he still possesses the arsenal to dominate world cricket, just as he did during his peak between 2016 and 2019. India's left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who finished with figures of 4/68 in the match, was in awe of Kohli's innings, saying it took him 8-9 years back to the days when he played under Kohli's captaincy.

"My career started when Virat bhai was the captain. Aisa lag raha tha, main 8-9 saal piche chala gaya. (The way he batted, I felt I had gone back 8-9 years). The way he was batting in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019," said Kuldeep in a video posted by BCCI.

"It was a very good innings, and he looked very confident. Whatever the shot selection was, the ball was coming nicely off the bat," he added.

With Kohli no longer part of T20Is, and no ODIs scheduled for India after the New Zealand series in January, every outing in the format now comes with significance.

Tilak revels in watching Kohli live

Tilak Varma, watching the masterclass by the 37-year-old from the dressing room, said he felt truly lucky to witness such an innings up close.

"We have seen one of the best knocks again. I am very happy that I have seen a 100 of Virat bhai live," said Tilak.

"He has always been electrifying in the field. The batting, fielding, everything. He is absolutely top. I have learnt a lot, and it's a pleasure to watch him live. I will keep talking to him, and I will try to learn as much as I can," he added.