NEW DELHI: Having smashed back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs against South Africa, the spotlight will once again be on Virat Kohli to shoulder the burden in the series decider in Visakhapatnam. What makes the occasion even more special is Kohli's long-standing love affair with the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
The former India captain boasts an impressive record at his happy hunting ground, and there couldn't be a better moment for him to step up and prevent the hosts from suffering rare consecutive series defeats at home with one more special knock.
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The numbers barely scratch the surface of Kohli's hold over Visakhapatnam. In just seven ODIs at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, he has hammered 587 runs at an eye-popping average of 97.83.
Three centuries and two fifties at a single venue aren't stats anymore - they're a statement. No other batter has managed to own this ground the way Kohli does. So what is it about Vizag that brings out the very best in him?
The pitch at the ACA-VDCA Stadium has traditionally offered plenty for the batters, and Kohli has made full use of those conditions to pile on runs consistently. India, too, enjoy a strong record at this venue - seven wins in 10 ODIs since 2005 - although their most recent outing here ended in a defeat against Australia.
Kohli has two hundreds and a fifty in his last three innings, a testament to his touch, class, and hunger even in his late 30s - and a strong indication that he can still step up and save the day for the team.
Will Kohli continue his Vizag dominance?
The law of averages might suggest that a dip is due. After all, back-to-back hundreds usually invite the prediction that a failure is around the corner. Cricket thrives on such theories - and yet, it thrives just as much on defying them.
Right now, Kohli isn't riding on luck or streaky form. He's crafting his runs with intent, reading bowlers early, and punishing every error with precision.
When a batter is operating at that level of clarity and control, the law of averages becomes background noise. What matters is execution - and Kohli's hasn't wavered.
