Kohli slammed a match-winning hundred in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi.
Veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played key roles in India’s 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Sunday (November 30).
Kohli slammed his 52nd ODI hundred, a commanding 135 off 120 deliveries, while Rohit scored 57 off 51 balls to propel the hosts to a formidable 349/8 in 50 overs.
In reply, the Proteas came close to the target but Indian bowlers held their nerves to bowl out the tourists for 332 in 49.2 overs. This was a much-needed result, considering the 0-2 whitewash India suffered in the recent home Test series against South Africa.
However, the atmosphere inside the Indian ODI dressing room remains a concern, with reports of rift between head coach Gautam Gambhir and Kohli-Rohit duo doing rounds in the media.
Now, a report published in NDTV claims that the growing discontent has taken another twist with Kohli refusing to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
This stance contrasts with Rohit's apparent willingness to play for Mumbai in the domestic one-day tournament and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy to maintain his match fitness.
Kohli, on the other hand, is reportedly not in favour of 'excessive preparation'. As a result, the BCCI finds itself in a tough spot as the governing body isn’t keen on making an exception for a player.
"The issue is with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He (Kohli) simply doesn't want to play. When Rohit [Sharma] is also playing, how can there be an exception for one player? And what do we tell the other players? That someone is different from all of you?" NDTV quoted a source as saying.
After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle earlier this year, the BCCI implemented a stringent 10-point guidelines, including making participation in domestic tournaments mandatory for contracted players when they are not on national duty. In fact, the board’s insistence saw both Kohli and Rohit taking part in the Ranji Trophy following the dismal Test series Down Under.
After collecting the Player-of-the-Match award in Ranchi ODI, Virat Kohli attributed his success to mental preparation.
"I've never been a believer in a lot of prep. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up, and then you visualise batting and feeling well, it's good," Kohli said while speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony.
According to sources, the BCCI sent national selector Pragyan Ojha to Raipur, the venue for the second ODI between India and South Africa on Wednesday, to mediate the deteriorating relations between Kohli and Gambhir.
(With NDTV Inputs)