Chennai: Virat Kohli played a brilliant innings of 138 runs off 140 balls that helped India win the fourth ODI and level the five-match one-day series 2-2 against South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Kohli, who got the man-of-the-match award, said it to be a special innings from him. “Any century in a winning cause is always special. The Proteas were bowling in good areas and it was tough to get the boundaries, so we had to get the single and twos. It always feels good when you get a century and the team wins. While chasing, I like it because you get a chance to finish the game,” said Kohli, adding that the cramps were fine now and the physio had told him not to take a chance as he might tear a muscle or two.

“If I sprint or something I might tear my muscles and the fifth match is still left. It was pretty difficult out in the middle as there wasn't much breeze during the day when it was hot. If AB (de Villiers) starts cramping then you know how hard it is because he is one of the fittest people around,” said Kohli.

In all praise for the South African captain, Kohli said, “I told him in the dressing room that my heart was in my mouth when he was batting. He plays unbelievable shots. He's a very modest man, too, as he never praises himself, so I'll do that for him. He fought it out.”