NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli's fan following is unmatched, and what makes the star India batter even more special is that he never disappoints his supporters. He always greets them with humility - something that was evident when he received a rousing reception upon his arrival in Raipur on the eve of the second ODI against South Africa on Wednesday.

As the Indian batting icon made his way towards the hotel entrance, he was greeted by a group of children eagerly waiting for him, each holding a rose.

Kohli warmly acknowledged them, accepting the flowers one by one, a gesture that lit up his face with a wide smile. The heartwarming video quickly won over fans on social media, perfectly capturing the immense affection the 37-year-old commands across the country.

'All my game has been mental'

Returning to international action after a gap of a month, Kohli smashed his 52nd ODI and 83rd international century during the first match against South Africa, a classic 135 off 120 balls that helped India register a narrow 17-run victory to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

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With Kohli no longer featuring in T20Is and Tests, and no ODIs scheduled for India after the New Zealand series in January, each appearance he makes in the format now carries added significance.

"I have never been a believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it's good," said Kohli, in his own inimitable way, making clear what he feels about all those who are skeptical about his lack of match time.

"I've played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket, if you're in touch with the game and are able to hit balls in the practice, if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you're good.