Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen: Legendary First Encounter at Wanderers
Marco Jansen, a rising star in South African cricket, has encountered Virat Kohli multiple times throughout his budding career. Their initial meeting occurred in January 2018 during a net session at the Wanderers, just before India’s final Test match of the series against South Africa.
Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen: The First Encounter at Wanderers
During that training session, Jansen, who was only 17 at the time, was present with his twin brother, Duan. The brothers aimed to impress, dreaming of bowling to cricketing icons Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their father, Koos Jansen, had driven from Potchefstroom with hopes of seeing his sons thrive in the sport.
The Training Session
- Location: Wanderers, South Africa
- Date: January 2018
- Age of Marco: 17 years old
The day did not go as planned for the Jansen twins. With prominent Indian pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami dominating the bowling lineup, they found themselves mostly fetching balls hit by Indian batsmen. Despite their eagerness, opportunities to showcase their skills were limited.
However, the session took a turn when Kohli specifically requested left-arm pacers for practice. The Jansen brothers quickly sprung into action, and Marco got his chance to bowl to the legend. Kohli acknowledged Marco’s efforts with a compliment, saying “well bowled.” They both enjoyed a brief yet significant interaction that would shape Marco’s career.
From Aspiration to Reality
Fast forward to 2021, Marco made his Test debut for South Africa against India at Centurion. In a twist of fate, he dismissed Kohli on his very first delivery. This match marked a pivotal moment in Marco’s career, culminating years of hard work and persistence.
The Ascendance of Marco Jansen
By 2025, Marco had emerged as a key player, leading his team to a historic 2-0 Test series victory over India. He scored an impressive 94 runs off 91 balls during the series. As South Africa’s leading new-ball bowler, he is now poised to face Kohli in an upcoming One Day International (ODI) series in Ranchi.
What Lies Ahead
The ODI series is critical for Kohli, as his performance could determine his place in the 2027 World Cup squad. For Jansen, facing Kohli presents a formidable challenge, as he aims to establish himself in ODIs.
This ongoing rivalry, enriched by their shared history, adds an enthralling layer to future encounters between these two cricketing talents. Both players continue to evolve, and how they fare against each other will be a moment to watch for cricket fans worldwide.
