I Won’t Accept Praise: Kohli Blasts Reporters After ODI Series Win

Watch Virat Kohli speak to the media after India defeated South Africa 5-1 in the ODI series.

Virat Kohli speaks to the media after India defeated South Africa 5-1 in the ODI series.

(Photo: ANI)

Virat Kohli led India to a 5-1 series hammering of South Africa on Friday, scoring another magnificent century in an eight-wicket win in the sixth and final one-day international in Centurion.

Kohli's 129 not out came off just 96 balls, and he reached his century off 82 balls, as India strolled to 206-2, past South Africa's 204 all out.

When asked whether this series win is India’s biggest overseas victory, Kohli said he doesn’t want to make headlines for the reporters.

You can answer that question, because one month ago, we were a very poor side according to you. And now we are asked such questions. We didn’t change our mindset. I don’t want to get into whether this is our biggest win or not. Whoever has to analyse will write about the win. Making headlines is not our job.

Virat Kohli

The Indian captain expressed that 90 percent of the people didn’t give India a chance after they lost the second Test in Centurion.

I know for a fact that 90 percent of the people didn’t give us a chance. I was sitting in the same room after we lost the second Test. I am not going to live in a dreamland and accept all the praise. These things don’t matter to me. It didn’t matter when we were 2-0 down in the Test series. It doesn’t matter when we are 5-1 up in the ODI series. What matters is the respect in the change room. If I get out for zero tomorrow, everyone will conveniently do what they want to do. If I make a mistake, I will come here and accept it. But I will never praise myself.

Virat Kohli

The first match of three-match T20 series starts in Johannesburg on Sunday.

(With inputs from AP)

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