WATCH | Virat Kohli's standout Test performances for India against the Proteas

Retired Indian batting great Virat Kohli built up a reputation of being able to handle foreign conditions in Test matches with a steely determination and skill.

Kohli seemed to come into his own when the chips were down on seamer-friendly wickets against high-quality attacks, and took the proverbial bull by the horns whenever he was called upon to save his team.

His time facing the Proteas in South Africa was no different, as he relished the battle on spicy wickets with the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada.

Although he never managed to win a Test series in the country, he often put his team in strong positions with his fighting knocks. Kohli scored 1,408 Test runs against the Proteas, averaging 54.15 in 16 matches.

At home, he was also a class above, with his highest Test score coming against the South Africans.

After announcing his retirement from red-ball cricket, The ICC picked out three Test matches against the Proteas when Kohli was at his very best.

119 & 96 - Johannesburg, 2013

In his first tour to South Africa, Kohli announced his arrival in tough overseas conditions with scores of 119 and 96 at the Wanderers in 2013.

Facing the likes of Steyn, Philander and Morkel on a lively pitch, Kohli showcased supreme technique against the fiery pace and bounce from the Proteas quicks.

His first-innings century laid the foundation for India’s strong total, while his composed 96 in the second innings nearly resulted in twin centuries in the match.

His ability to adjust his technique and temperament in South African conditions earned praise from former cricketers and experts alike.

India narrowly missed out on a famous win as South Africa held on for a draw, but Kohli’s performance established him as India’s next batting superstar in Tests.\

153 – Centurion, 2018

At Centurion in 2018, Kohli played one of his grittiest knocks under difficult overseas conditions.

On a spicy pitch with variable bounce and against a quality South African pace attack led by Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander, Kohli compiled a superb 153 out of India’s total of 307.

What made the innings remarkable was how Kohli stood tall as wickets kept falling at the other end - no other Indian batter crossed 50 in the innings.

His knock included 15 boundaries and was a mix of elegant stroke play and steely resolve.

Despite India’s eventual defeat in the match, Kohli’s performance was praised for its determination and technical excellence in foreign conditions.

254 - Pune, 2019

Virat Kohli’s career-best Test score of 254* came in the second Test of the 2019 series against South Africa at Pune.

Walking in at 136/2 after the openers laid a solid foundation, Kohli anchored the innings with supreme control, pacing his knock perfectly over nearly eight hours at the crease.

His innings, studded with 33 fours and 2 sixes, dismantled a quality South African bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and debutant Anrich Nortje, none of whom could find a way past his solid defense and elegant strokeplay.

Kohli’s unbeaten double-century helped India declare at 601/5, setting up a dominant innings and 137-run victory.

@JohnGoliath82