Fans, former cricketers, and India teammates were left in awe of star batter Virat Kohli’s knock during the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa. Young middle-order batter Tilak Varma said that he was fortunate to witness the innings from the stadium, calling it one of the finest hundreds he has seen.
Virat tore apart the South African attack with 135 off 120 balls, including 11 fours and seven sixes, in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. India posted a total of 349/8 after being asked to bat first. The veteran batter ensured India finished with a competitive score. The Proteas were eventually bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs.
Virat Kohli Takes Charge Early With Commanding Knock in Ranchi ODI
Virat Kohli, returning from a mixed outing in Australia, showcased his batting display in the opening ODI against South Africa. He walked in early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, and the right-handed batter immediately took charge on a favourable batting pitch.
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With dew expected later in the evening, Kohli focused on pushing India’s total as high as possible. He put pressure on the bowlers and built a vital second-wicket stand with Rohit Sharma.
Kohli reached his fifty in 47 balls and later completed his century in 102 deliveries. His composed and aggressive innings helped India post a formidable target of 350.
The right-handed batter extended his tally to 52 ODI hundreds, having surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing mark during the 2023 World Cup. Kohli won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock.
We Have Seen One of the Best Knocks Again – Tilak Varma Lauds Virat Kohli
In a video shared on the BCCI website, Tilak Varma expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli’s century in the series opener. The young batter said that he wants to keep seeking guidance from Kohli and continue learning from the senior player whenever possible.
“We have seen one of the best knocks again. I am very happy that I have seen a hundred of Virat bhai live. Since the last 17 years, he has been electrifying on the field,” said Tilak.
“The batting, fielding, everything. He is absolutely at the top, and I have learnt a lot from him and it’s a pleasure to watch him live. I will keep talking to him and learn as much as I can,” he added.
Virat Kohli Enjoys Outstanding ODI Form in 2025
Virat Kohli has enjoyed an impressive run in ODI cricket in 2025. Following a strong Champions Trophy campaign, he has continued his form into the home season. He has scored 484 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 89.80, including two centuries.
Across his entire ODI career, Kohli has amassed 14,390 runs in 306 matches at an average of 58.02 and a strike rate of 93.41, with 75 half-centuries and 52 centuries to his name.
The 37-year-old batter 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 wrap up the series against South Africa.
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