Harbhajan Singh Defends Virat Kohli Amidst Criticism Following ODI Performance

In a recent match against South Africa, Virat Kohli scored his 53rd ODI century, prompting former cricketer Harbhajan Singh to defend him against critics. Kohli's performance, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden century, showcased India's batting prowess, although South Africa ultimately claimed victory. Harbhajan emphasized Kohli's importance in the team and questioned the calls for his replacement. As the series is now tied, cricket fans eagerly await the decisive match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 11:44 IST

Harbhajan Singh Stands Up for Kohli

In New Delhi, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has come to the defense of Virat Kohli after the star batsman scored his 53rd ODI century during the second match of the series against South Africa in Raipur.

Kohli has been in exceptional form throughout the ongoing three-match series, having scored 135 runs in the first ODI, which India won by 17 runs in Ranchi.

During the second ODI in Raipur, the 37-year-old displayed his talent by scoring 102 runs off 93 balls, contributing to India's total of 358/5 in 50 overs. However, South Africa managed a remarkable comeback, winning by four wickets and leveling the series at 1-1.

On his YouTube channel, Harbhajan expressed that Kohli should not be dismissed due to a generational shift in cricket. He criticized those suggesting that new players should replace Kohli, questioning if any newcomer could match his fitness and skill.

Harbhajan also praised Ruturaj Gaikwad, who achieved his first ODI century in the same match, scoring 105 runs off 83 balls. Gaikwad's partnership with Kohli was pivotal, as they formed a 195-run stand for the third wicket.

This partnership is now the highest for any wicket for India against South Africa in men's ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 194 runs set by Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik in 2010.

Harbhajan remarked on Gaikwad's talent, noting that he has seized his opportunity after not getting enough chances earlier. He highlighted the impressive batting display from both Kohli and Gaikwad, especially how Gaikwad accelerated his scoring after reaching fifty.

He believed India could have scored 380 runs if either Kohli or Gaikwad had continued their innings longer, suggesting that 358 runs should have been defendable, but the bowling performance fell short.

India batted first after being put in by South Africa, who quickly reduced them to 62/2 with the dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kohli and Gaikwad's partnership put India back in control.

Later, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added a quick 69 runs for the sixth wicket, with Rahul scoring 66 not out. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler for South Africa.

In response, South Africa began their chase aggressively but lost Quinton de Kock early. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram then built a solid partnership, with Markram scoring his first ODI century as an opener.

A crucial 92-run partnership between Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis shifted the momentum in favor of South Africa.

Despite injuries to Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch guided South Africa to a memorable victory with four wickets remaining.

Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler, while Prasidh Krishna's performance was notably disappointing. An exciting decider is set for Saturday.