'That is what true...' - Dale Steyn reveals how Virat Kohli stays in touch with game in UK despite playing only ODIs | IND vs SA

Dale Steyn opens up about a heartfelt conversation with a star Indian player before the IND vs SA 1st ODI, offering rare insight into their mindset.

Dale Steyn (Image Credit: ICC)

South Africa’s former cricketer Dale Steyn opened up about a candid conversation he had with India’s star batter Virat Kohli the night before the first ODI game against South Africa in Ranchi. Kohli, who slammed a century in the game, went on to hit 135 runs and helped India post a mammoth total of 349 runs in the first innings. The hosts went on to win the game, but the conversation between Steyn and Kohli was something extremely interesting.

The 37-year-old cricketer opened up about living in London and practicing at the Lords and Surrey. This proves his love, passion and dedication for the sport. Even though he doesnt stay in India, he keeps practicing and working on his game to get better each day.

"I actually saw him last night at dinner. I had a chat with him and asked him 'What do you do, because you play just one format?’, and he said, ‘I live in London now’. He has great facilities at Lord’s, at Surrey, and he goes to practice too. There’s a trainer he works with. I can’t remember. But he’s always well prepared. When you look at him, he’s in tip-top condition all the time, mentally he is super strong. He’s played the game for so long – 51 ODI hundreds before this one. So he’s well aware of his game; how he goes about scoring his runs. He comes in, joins the team, and is fully committed. And then you see such kind of performances. That is what true professionals do,” Steyn told the host broadcaster.

Will Virat Kohli return to Test cricket?

India’s former skipper Virat Kohli has been in an incredible form and the cricket lovers want him take back his Test retirement and join the Men in Blue once again. However, Kohli shut the rumors once and for all by stating that ODI is the only format he will play now during the post-match presentation after winning against South Africa.

“Yes, that's how it's always going to be. I'm just playing one form of the game,” said Kohli.

It was a heartbreaking news for the fans who were anticipating his return in whites. However, from his performance it feels like Kohli will be available to play until the ODI World Cup 2027 along with Rohit Sharma.

How to watch India vs South Africa, ODI series?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, ODI series from November 30 on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Read Also: India vs South Africa ODIs: When and where to watch in India? How to watch Rohit-Kohli in action?

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