Virat Kohli Played an inning of 135 runs in 120 balls in the first ODI against Ranchi. South Africato give strength India 349/8 and a tense 17-run win on November 30, 2025. The 37-year-old’s innings, which included 11 fours and seven sixes, marked his 52nd ODI century and earned him the Player of the Match honor at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. This performance quieted whispers of a Test comeback following his retirement from the format in May 2025 after 123 matches and 9,230 runs.
IND vs SA: Harsha Bhogle reveals off-air conversation with Virat Kohli before discussing his Test comeback
During the post-match presentation, the commentator Harsha Bhogle Asked a subtle question: whether Kohli plans to stick to one format amid ongoing speculation. Kohli reaffirmed his commitment to only ODIs, saying at the age of 37 he prioritizes recovery after more than 300 games, emphasizing mental readiness and physical fitness over the demands of the multi-format. Bhogle later clarified on X that he had already had an off-air conversation with Kohli and sought permission.put it in” to avoid surprising him, countering fans’ suggestions of surprises
I had already asked him if he would be comfortable if I put him in… https://t.co/DhXOZNVgYI
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 30 November 2025
IND vs SA: Kohli’s Ranchi masterclass increases ODI focus
Kohli’s innings displayed his old temperament, starting with four runs from the outside edge and then hitting straight drives and sixes. Nandre Burger And otniel bartmanTheir partnership of 136 runs Rohit Sharma For the second wicket, their eighth century partnership on home soil, laid the foundation on a pitch that slowed down later. Now surpasses six ODI centuries against South Africa Sachin TendulkarIn five, Kohli has scored 519 runs in five innings in Ranchi and claimed an average of 173, with all three centuries being over 120.
South Africa chased the target of 332 runs Corbin Bosch51 out of 67, but -Kuldeep Yadav4/68 sealed the victory. Kohli’s response to Bhogle gave no U-turn: “It’ll always be like this, I’m only playing one version of the gameThis stance is in line with his Test exit ahead of India’s tour of England, preferring longevity in ODIs where alertness and enthusiasm sustain him.