Former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gave their fans more reasons to be delighted as the senior duo produced vintage knocks in the IND vs SA 1st ODI, which the hosts won by 17 runs in Ranchi to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
While there had been zero ODI century partnerships between Rohit and Kohli from February 2020 to September 2025, they have now shared two century stands in consecutive ODIs: against Australia in Sydney last month and against South Africa in Ranchi.
In Sydney, Rohit blasted a hundred, and Kohli scored 74*, being denied the chance to get to a three-digit score as India comfortably overhauled Australia’s total. In Ranchi, Kohli ransacked 135 off 120 balls, and Rohit smoked 57 off 51, setting up India for a huge total of 349.
Despite losing three wickets for only 11 runs, the Proteas fought hard to keep the game alive till the last over, through valiant half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch. But the India pacers kept their calm in the last couple of overs to seal the game.
IND vs SA: Is Virat Kohli returning to Test cricket after retirement?
No, Virat Kohli is not making a u-turn from retirement in Test cricket; he confirmed it after the first ODI victory against South Africa.
During the post-match presentation ceremony, where Virat Kohli was rewarded with the Player of the Match award, the 37-year-old quashed the rumors of his potential comeback to Test cricket.
Over the last couple of days, the social media mill has been churning a report that the BCCI and the selectors are pondering “whether senior players who stepped away from the format could be asked to reconsider,” said a report in Cricbuzz. This news came after India’s humiliating 2-0 Test series whitewash against South Africa at home.
Cricbuzz added,
“There is no indication that Virat Kohli has been approached, but the idea has begun to circulate. There is no certainty of any formal move, though there is a belief that at least one recently retired player may be open to a rethink.”
However, Kohli once and for all buried this humor. When commentator Harsha Bhogle asked Kohli if he will continue to play only one format (ODIs), Kohli smiled and replied, “Yes, that’s how it’s always going to be. I am just playing one form (ODI) of the game.”
Kohli produced another masterclass in ODI batting as he notched up his 52nd ODI century, which eventually led to him bagging his 44th Player of the Match award in ODIs.
Who has won the most Player of the Match awards in ODI cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar has won the most Man of the Match awards, or Player of the Match awards, in ODI cricket—62. Behind Tendulkar is Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya with 48 awards, and Kohli is third with 44 Man of the Match awards.
Kohli’s 52nd ton, coupled with half-centuries from Rohit and stand-in captain KL Rahul, helped India set the Proteas a target of 350 runs. In the chase, South Africa were bowled out for 332.
IND vs SA: When and where is the 2nd ODI?
The India vs South Africa second ODI will be played on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur.
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.
