WATCH: Virat Kohli’s valuable tips to Shreyas Iyer during day 1 of Centurion Test Match

Virat Kohli was the main focus as India took to the field on the first of the Centurion Test Match. The former India skipper was looking good during his knock of 38 but Kagiso Rabada cut the innings short.

KL Rahul’s 70-not-out helped India end the day at 208/8 after 59 overs of play before rain spoiled the party. During his 64-ball vigil at the crease, Virat Kohli played some delightful shots to entertain the Indian fans.

Apart from his batting, Virat Kohli is also known to be a great teammate. This was in full view his 68-run stand with Shreyas Iyer for the fourth wicket. Assuming the role of the senior batter, Virat was seen and heard guiding the young Indian batter.

Virat Kohli guides Shreyas Iyer during the Centurion Test

South African seamers Nandre Burger and Kagiso Rabada were troubling Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer during the first session. With overcast conditions to play with the Proteas seamers were making the ball talk with swing and pace.

During their stand, Virat Kohli could be heard saying to Shreyas Iyer “Ball dekhte rehna hath main uske. Kidar pakda rahega”. Historically Shreyas Iyer has struggled against the short ball and the advice seemed to have worked for the Indian batter.

Virat Kohli to Shreyas Iyer - "Ball dekhte rehna hath mein uske, Kidhar pakda rahega (Keep looking at the ball in his hand, where will it be held)

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India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour praised Virat Kohli for his knock of 38 on Tuesday. Speaking to the media at the end of the day, Rathour said “At the stage of the career Virat is, I don’t think he needs a lot of practice. He bats a lot and trains a lot. So, if he practised a few days less, it won’t matter much. We saw how well he was playing. It didn’t seem he was away from Test cricket for 6 months. It’s a good sign”

Former Indian player Sanjay Manjrekar also heaped praise on the former India skipper during a chat with ESPN CRICINFO. “Virat Kohli looked really good, really compact, and brought his experience to the fore. What worked for him and Shreyas Iyer was that the South African bowlers bowled a bit wayward and that helped the batters a bit. Iyer also showed the character to go for his shots and looked to cash in on every run-scoring chance”