NEW DELHI: South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen says stopping elite batters like Virat Kohli becomes close to impossible once they settle, admitting that the Indian star’s ability to stretch an innings makes him one of the toughest players to bowl at.

Jansen on Kohli’s control

Reflecting on Kohli’s match winning hundred in the first ODI, Jansen said the best chance to dismiss such players comes very early in their stay.

“When you bowl to world class players, it’s quite difficult to get them out. I always try to get a batter in his first 10 or 15 balls. That’s when they’re still getting used to the wicket,” Jansen said.

“But once they’re in, and they get on a roll, it’s very difficult to stop them. Everyone here knows how to play — that’s why you go to plan B or C.”

Kohli struck his 52nd ODI century on Sunday to guide India to a 17 run win and a 1-0 lead in the three match series.

Jansen, who first bowled to Kohli as a teenage net bowler during India’s 2017-18 tour of South Africa, said the challenge remains a mix of frustration and admiration.

“It’s nice to watch him play. Growing up watching him on TV to actually bowling to him now… it’s annoying but it’s fun at the same time,” he said.

“He drives well, he pulls well, cuts well, plays with his pads well. I don’t think much has changed — he’s just batting longer and longer."

His own batting approach

On his batting in the white ball series, the tall left hander said the stability of the top order has given him the freedom to play naturally.

“It’s always nice to walk in when the top five are on a roll. I’m just watching the ball and playing it as it comes. At the moment it’s working for me.”

Jansen added that the Proteas were not overly disappointed despite slipping in the series, noting that their overall effort felt solid.

“We didn’t bowl too badly. They got early wickets, we were on the back foot, then we pulled it back. It’s just about adding the good things on top of each other like we’ve been doing in the Test squad,” he said.

He also confirmed that the injured players remained under medical care and that a clearer picture would emerge when the group meets again before the second ODI in Raipur.

Regular skipper Temba Bavuma was rested for the Ranchi ODI, with Aiden Markram taking charge in his absence.

(With PTI Inputs)