NEW DELHI: After receiving the Player of the Series award against South Africa, Virat Kohli admitted that he hadn't played at this level in the past two to three years. His stellar performance reflected this resurgence, allowing him to achieve several career-first milestones in his illustrious decade-and-a-half-long career.

Kohli smashed 12 sixes in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, marking the most sixes he has ever hit in a single series or tournament. His previous best was nine sixes, achieved in a three-match series against Sri Lanka in 2023, as well as during the 2023 World Cup.

In addition to his power-hitting, Kohli also dominated with the consistency of his run-scoring. This was the first time Kohli had crossed the 300-run mark in a three-match series, amassing 302 runs against South Africa.

He also became only the second Indian to score over 300 runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series, a feat previously accomplished by Shubman Gill, who scored 360 against New Zealand in 2023.

The star Indian batter also claimed his 20th Player of the Series award in men's international cricket, breaking the record previously held by legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had 19.

Kohli scored a rapid 45-ball 65 not out in the third ODI after hitting centuries in the first two games to extend his tally to a record 53, as India crushed South Africa by nine wickets to win the third ODI comprehensively.

"Honestly, playing the way I have in the series is the most satisfying thing for me. I feel really free in my mind. I haven't played like this in 2-3 years," Kohli told the broadcaster after the match.

"I know when I can bat like that in the middle, it helps the team a long way. Makes me confident, any situation in the middle, I can handle that and bring it in favour of the team," he added.

Kohli said self-doubt is inevitable for a batter, irrespective of experience, but felt it helps in overall improvement.

“When you play for that long - 15-16 years - you do doubt yourself. Especially as a batter when one mistake can get you out. It's a whole journey of getting better and getting better as a person along the way. It improves you as a person and it improves temperament as well," he said.

"I'm just glad that I'm still able to contribute to the team. When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes. There's always levels you can always unlock," he added.