Team India commenced their three-match ODI series against South Africa on a triumphant note, securing a hard-fought 17-run victory in Ranchi. The win was orchestrated by a vintage century from Virat Kohli, who received effusive praise from teammates and support staff for his match-defining innings.
Kohli's Masterclass Sets the Foundation
After being sent in to bat, India posted a formidable total of 349 for 8 in their 50 overs. The innings was built around a magnificent 135 off 120 balls from Virat Kohli. This marked his 52nd ODI hundred, further cementing his legendary status in the format. He shared a crucial 136-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Rohit Sharma, who contributed a brisk 57. Later, valuable cameos from KL Rahul (60) and Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) propelled India past the 340-mark.
Teammates in Awe of the Kohli Spectacle
Youngster Tilak Varma, who witnessed the knock from the dressing room, expressed his delight. "We have seen one of the best knocks again. I am very happy that I have seen 100 of Virat bhai live," Tilak said in a BCCI video. He added that observing Kohli's all-round intensity in batting and fielding was a learning experience he hopes to implement in games.
Spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose international career began under Kohli's captaincy, felt transported back in time. "The way he batted, I felt I had gone back 8-9 years, the way he was batting in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2016," Kuldeep remarked. He highlighted the confidence and perfect shot execution Kohli displayed, calling it a "very good innings" that energizes the entire team.
Coaches Laud Intent and Dismiss Future Talks
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasized the importance of setting a big score, knowing dew would play a factor later. "It was very pleasing as the guys identified that we needed a premium score on that wicket," he said, praising Kohli's "big 100" for getting the team "out of the blocks."
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak outright dismissed any unnecessary speculation regarding Kohli's ODI future. "He’s batting so well. Why do we need to talk about his future? The way he’s performing, the way his fitness is — there are no questions about anything," Kotak asserted after the win.
South Africa's Valiant Chase Falls Short
In reply, South Africa's chase was derailed early by Indian pacers, reducing them to 11 for 3. A 66-run stand between Tony de Zorzi (39) and Matthew Breetzke (72) offered resistance, but regular wickets kept India ahead. A blistering 97-run partnership between Breetzke and Marco Jansen, who smashed 80 off just 39 balls, reignited South African hopes. However, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed both set batters to swing momentum back. Corbin Bosch's late flourish of 67 off 51 balls brought South Africa close, but they were eventually bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs. Pacer Harshit Rana was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 65.
With this victory, India takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The team's performance, headlined by Kohli's century and supported by collective efforts, sets a positive tone for the remainder of the contests.
