Kohli slammed his 52nd ODI ton in Ranchi against South Africa.
India’s star batter Virat Kohli slammed a match-winning hundred in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Sunday (November 30).
Ever since his Test retirement, speculations are rife about Kohli’s ODI future and whether there's enough fuel in his tank to continue through the grind until the 2027 World Cup. However, the 37-year-old silenced his critics with a stunning knock of 135 runs in 120 balls, including 11 fours and 7 sixes.
Ater the game, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed speculations surrounding Kohli's ODI future, emphasizing his current form, fitness, and crucial contributions.
Kotak further stated that discussions about the 2027 World Cup are premature, as the team focuses on present performance.
“I really don’t know why we need to look at all this,” Kotak said in a press conference after India’s thrilling 17-run win in Ranchi. “He’s batting so well. Why do we need to talk about his future? The way he’s performing, the way his fitness is — there are no questions about anything.”
“He’s just brilliant, man. As long as he keeps batting like this, there is no point talking about anything else,” Kotak added.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket within a gap of five days in May this year. Having retired from T20Is last year, the veteran campaigners are now focusing solely on the ODI format.
The duo was involved in an 136-run partnership in Ranchi, with Rohit scoring 57 off 51 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes.
The batting coach stressed that neither players nor staff are thinking about the 2027 World Cup right now. “I feel these things shouldn’t happen. They (Ro-Ko) are brilliant, they are performing, and they are contributing to the team. We’re not talking about 2027 at all.”
He also dismissed concerns over Kohli’s minor back stiffness, saying: “As much as I know, he’s fine.”
Kotak highlighted the immense value of having the two seasoned campaigners in the team. “They are such experienced players. The way they bat, the partnerships they build — it makes a huge difference. They share their experience with younger players, and that itself is a big advantage.”
Coming to the match, the Proteas got off to a terrible start in the chase, losing their top three for just 11 runs inside five overs. However, Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80) and Marco Jansen (70 off 39) brought the visitors back in the contest with vital knocks in the middle order.
Reeling at 228/7 in the 34th over, South Africa were staring at a big defeat but Corbin Bosch scared the hosts with a dazzling innings of 67 in 51 balls. In the end, the Indian bowlers held their nerves to bundle out the tourists for 332 in 49.2 overs.
Harshit Rana (3-65) and Kuldeep Yadav (4-68) were pick of the Indian bowlers, sharing seven wickets between them.
“A lot of credit to Harshit… he made the most of the swing. Otherwise, with so much dew, chasing would have been very easy,” Kotak said.
The second ODI of the three-match series will take place in Raipur on Wednesday (December 3).