Fans, former cricketers and Indian teammates were left stunned by star batsman Virat Kohli’s innings during the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa. Young middle-order batsman Tilak Verma said he was lucky to watch the innings from the stadium, calling it one of the best centuries he had seen.
Virat devastated the South African attack by scoring 135 runs in 120 balls with the help of 11 fours and seven sixes in Ranchi on Sunday, 30 November. India scored a total of 349/8 when invited to bat first. The experienced batsman ensured that India finished with a competitive score. Ultimately the Proteas were all out for 332 runs in 49.2 overs.
Virat Kohli took the lead in the beginning by playing a brilliant innings in Ranchi ODI.
Coming back from a mixed innings in Australia, Virat Kohli showcased his batting in the opening ODI against South Africa. He departed early after Yashasvi Jaiswal was out and the right-handed batsman immediately took charge on a pitch conducive to batting.
With dew expected in the evening, Kohli focused on increasing India’s total as much as possible. He put pressure on the bowlers and made an important partnership with Rohit Sharma for the second wicket.
Kohli completed his half-century in 47 balls and later completed his century in 102 balls. His composed and aggressive innings helped India set a strong target of 350.
The right-handed batsman took his tally of ODI centuries to 52 during the 2023 World Cup, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record. Kohli won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning innings.
We have again seen one of the best innings – Tilak Verma praises Virat Kohli
In a video shared on the BCCI website, Tilak Verma expressed his appreciation for Virat Kohli’s century in the opening match of the series. The young batsman said that he wants to keep taking guidance from Kohli and continue learning from the senior player whenever possible.
Tilak said, “We have again seen one of the best innings. I am very happy that I have seen Virat Bhai’s century live. He has been rocking the field for the last 17 years.”
“Batting, fielding, everything. He is absolutely top and I have learned a lot from him and it is a pleasure to watch him live. I will keep talking to him and learn as much as I can,” he said.
Virat Kohli will enjoy great ODI form in 2025
Virat Kohli has performed brilliantly in ODI cricket in 2025. After a strong Champions Trophy campaign, they have continued their form in the domestic season as well. He has scored 484 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.78 and strike rate of 89.80, which also includes two centuries.
Throughout his ODI career, Kohli has scored 14,390 runs in 306 matches at an average of 58.02 and a strike rate of 93.41, which includes 75 half-centuries and 52 centuries.
The 37-year-old batsman has retired from Test and T20I cricket. Kohli now plays only in the 50 over format. He is set to return for the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, where India will look to win the series against South Africa.
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