Virat Kohli’s record-breaking feat at Centurion is our Play of the Day.

India’s bowlers dominated the South African batsmen across the series, with wrist-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav proving particularly potent. That said, Kohli’s contributions across the six games – 112, 46 not out, 160 not out, 75, 36, and 129 not out – amounted to a new record for a six-game contest, and ultimately netted him the Man of the Series accolade.

Rohit Sharma held the previous record for the most runs in a six-game series. The India opener hit 491 against Australia in the 2013-14 season.

Kohli came into the sixth ODI needing 71 runs to become the first player to score 500 runs in a six-game series. In the end, he smashed Sharma’s record and finished with 558 runs (at an average of 186 and a strike rate of 99).

REPORT: Kohli powers India to 5-1 triumph

India clinched the series when they beat South Africa in the penultimate match in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday. Kohli, however, showed plenty of hunger and intent across his innings at Centurion.

It was a fine knock in isolation. Kohli raced to his half-century in just 36 balls. It took him a total of 82 deliveries to score his 35th ODI century.

The India skipper remained focused thereafter. It was clear that he wanted to be at the crease when the visitors surpassed South Africa’s score of 204 to complete a 5-1 series result.

Fittingly, it was Kohli who scored the winning runs. He smashed Imran Tahir for four to seal the result inside 33 overs. Kohli finish unbeaten on 129 off just 96 balls.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix