Virat Kohli's Stellar Century Leads India to Victory Over South Africa
Kohli Shines in ODI Opener Against South Africa
In a remarkable display of skill, Virat Kohli reaffirmed his crucial role in India's ODI lineup by scoring a brilliant century, helping the team secure a 17-run victory against South Africa in the series opener held in Ranchi.
With discussions about his ODI future intensifying ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Kohli made a powerful statement with his performance. The 37-year-old achieved his 52nd ODI century, further extending his record for the most centuries in this format. His impressive innings of 135 runs off 120 balls included 11 boundaries and seven sixes, showcasing his exceptional talent and experience.
Kohli shared insights into his evolving mindset and approach through the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) official X account. He emphasized the importance of awareness in his game, stating, "For me, the core word is awareness, being aware of situations, being aware of your own feelings and thoughts when you succeed and when you fail, so that you try to be in the most central spot."
He added, "I have put in a considerable amount of work over the years, so I would say that yes, I am in that place now. I can say that I am still looking to get better every day of my life, thatโs where I am."
โ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ & ๐น๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐น๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐โ
Virat Kohli on the mental phase he is at at this point of time.#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @imVkohli | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/j5Nl6ihXQN
โ BCCI (@BCCI) December 1, 2025
In the match, South Africa opted to field first. After a promising start, Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 18 runs off 16 balls. However, Rohit Sharma (57 runs off 51 balls, including five fours and three sixes) and Kohli formed an impressive partnership, adding 136 runs for the second wicket, thrilling the crowd in Ranchi.
India faced a middle-order collapse, losing Rohit, Ruturaj Gaikwad (8), and Washington Sundar (13) in quick succession, leaving them at 200/4. Nevertheless, a solid partnership of 76 runs between KL Rahul (60 runs off 56 balls, with two fours and a six) and Kohli, followed by a 65-run stand between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja (32 runs off 20 balls, with two fours and a six), propelled India to a total of 349/8 in their 50 overs.
During South Africa's chase, they quickly lost three wickets to Indian pacers, finding themselves at 11/3. A partnership of 66 runs between Tony de Zorzi (39 runs off 37 balls, with seven fours) and Matthew Breetzke provided some stability. Dewald Brevis contributed a quick 37 runs off 28 balls, but South Africa was struggling at 130 runs with half their side dismissed.
A significant 97-run partnership between Breetzke (72 runs off 80 balls, with eight fours and a six) and Marco Jansen (80 runs off 39 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) threatened to turn the game in South Africa's favor. However, timely wickets from Kuldeep Yadav reduced the Proteas to 227/8.
Corbin Bosch (67 runs off 51 balls, with five fours and four sixes) kept South Africa's hopes alive alongside the lower order, bringing them close to victory, but they ultimately fell short by 17 runs. Harshit Rana also performed well with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 65 runs.
With this victory, India now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0.