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NEW DELHI: Team India batter Virat Kohli paid a visit to the Simhachalam Temple in Vizag on Sunday following his outstanding performance in the India vs South Africa ODI series. He showcased exceptional form throughout the three-match series, achieving two back-to-back centuries and an unbeaten knock with a half-century in the third one on Saturday.Kohli’s exceptional display against South Africa earned him the Player of the Series recognition. He finished 2025 as India’s top ODI scorer with 651 runs, maintaining an average of 65. Following the final match, he made a solitary visit to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha.Watch Virat Kohli offering prayers at Simhachalam Temple:The former Indian captain had faced difficulties during his return in the Australia tour. However, he regained his rhythm immediately in the first ODI against South Africa at home. His performance against the South African pace attack was remarkable, accumulating 302 runs in three matches with a strike rate of 117.05.Head coach Gautam Gambhir had also sought blessings at the temple before the Vizag game.With India securing a comprehensive 9-wicket victory, he third ODI proved to be the most one-sided encounter of the series. Following two close matches in Ranchi and Raipur, India dominated at the ACA VDCA Stadium. Despite Quinton de Kock’s century, India’s bowling attack, led by Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav, restricted South Africa to 270 runs.The target proved insufficient for the Indian team, particularly with dew affecting the second innings. India reached the goal in 40 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal demonstrated his potential with his maiden ODI century. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli contributed with quick fifties, guiding India to victory with nine wickets remaining.
