Can Virat Kohli prove his mettle in South Africa?

Zee Media Bureau/Chaitan Papnai

Johannesburg: After a poor ODI series in South Africa, Virat Kohli, the new run-machine of Team India has to perform in two-match Test series against the Proteas, to prove his credentials right. Kohli had been in exceptional form before taking a flight to South Africa and played a major role in India’s winning-streak of six consecutive ODI tournaments this year. But on the swift and bouncy tracks of South Africa, while facing the deadly bowling attack of Dale Steyn & Co, in a three-match ODI series, he failed miserably and India lost the series 2-0. Even if the conditions are adverse one can’t write-off Kohli. In the past he has proved his mettle time and again -- even while facing the best of the bowlers. Knack of playing world-class bowlers better than many other top-class batsmen makes him really special. In the rainbow nation, he just has to trust his abilities and apply himself in two match-Test series. He did it in the past while playing Down Under and can do it here as well. Kohli has passed all the tests, to date, in his international career with a distinction. The 25-year-old, a perfect man to fill the void left by master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, has another challenge in front of him. Hopefully, the future skipper of Team India will pass the test this time as well with first-class grades.