Virat Kohli delivered a match-defining 135 off 120 balls in Ranchi’s first ODI in opposition to South Africa, powering India to 349/8 and a tense 17-run victory on November 30, 2025. The 37-year-old’s knock, that includes 11 fours and 7 sixes, marked his 52nd ODI century and earned him Participant of the Match honors at JSCA Worldwide Stadium Advanced. This efficiency silenced whispers of a Check return following his Might 2025 retirement from the format after 123 matches and 9,230 runs.
IND vs SA: Harsha Bhogle reveals off-air chat with Virat Kohli earlier than discussing his Check comeback
Through the post-match presentation, commentator Harsha Bhogle posed a delicate question: whether or not Kohli deliberate to stay to 1 format amid ongoing hypothesis. Kohli affirmed his dedication to ODIs solely, stating at 37 he prioritizes restoration after 300-plus video games, emphasizing psychological readiness and bodily health over multi-format calls for. Bhogle later clarified on X that he had an off-air chat with Kohli beforehand, searching for permission to “slip that in” to keep away from catching him off-guard, countering fan solutions of shock.
I had requested him earlier than if he can be comfy if I slipped that in….. https://t.co/DhXOZNVgYI
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 30, 2025
Additionally READ: Viral pictures: Gautam Gambhir embraces Virat Kohli after the latter’s 83rd century in the 1st ODI against South Africa
IND vs SA: Kohli’s Ranchi masterclass fuels ODI focus
Kohli’s innings showcased classic aptitude, beginning with an out of doors edge for 4 earlier than unleashing straight drives and lofted sixes in opposition to Nandre Burger and Ottneil Baartman. His 136-run stand with Rohit Sharma for the second wicket, their eighth century partnership at dwelling, laid the inspiration on a pitch that slowed later. Now with six ODI tons in opposition to South Africa, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s 5, Kohli boasts a 173 common in Ranchi throughout 519 runs in 5 innings, all three centuries exceeding 120.
South Africa mounted a chase to 332, led by Corbin Bosch‘s 67 off 51, however Kuldeep Yadav‘s 4/68 sealed the win. Kohli’s response to Bhogle underscored no U-turn: “That’s the way it’s all the time going to be, I’m simply enjoying one type of the sport.” This stance aligns together with his Check exit forward of India’s England tour, prioritizing longevity in ODIs the place reflexes and pleasure maintain him.
Additionally WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir engage in an animated discussion after India’s 1st ODI win against South Africa
