South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen offered an honest and insightful assessment of what it’s like to bowl to Virat Kohli, especially when the Indian superstar is in full flow. Reflecting on Kohli’s match-winning century in the first ODI in Ranchi, Jansen admitted that once a batter of Kohli’s calibre settles in, stopping him becomes almost impossible.

According to him, the genuine opportunity for a bowler lies only in the opening moments of an innings. Jansen explained that his primary focus is always on a batter’s initial 10 to 15 deliveries—those early balls where even world-class players are still adjusting to conditions.

“When you bowl to world-class players, it’s quite challenging to dismiss them. I always aim to target a batter in his first 10 or 15 balls when they are still adjusting to the wicket,” he said. But after those early moments, Jansen noted, a batter like Kohli becomes increasingly difficult to contain. “Once they’re set and gain momentum, it’s extremely tough to halt them. Everyone here knows how to adapt, which is why you have to switch to plan B or C.”

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Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century was a masterclass in pacing an innings, guiding India to a 17-run win and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. For Jansen, it was also a surreal experience, given he first bowled to Kohli as a 17-year-old net bowler during India’s 2017–18 tour of South Africa.

“It’s great to watch him play. Growing up watching him on TV and now bowling to him is both annoying and fun. He drives well, pulls well, cuts well, and plays with his pads effectively. Not much has changed—he’s just batting for longer periods.”

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Jansen also spoke about his own batting progress, crediting the consistency of South Africa’s top order for allowing him to play freely in the lower middle order. “It’s always beneficial to come in when the top five are performing well. I’m just watching the ball and responding. For now, it’s working for me.”

Despite trailing 0-1, Jansen insisted that the Proteas are far from discouraged. He felt South Africa bowled reasonably well and showed intense fight after early setbacks. As the team awaits updates on injured players and prepares for the second ODI in Raipur, regular skipper Temba Bavuma—rested for the Ranchi game—is expected to return and reassume leadership.