You know, every now and then, cricket gives you one of those days that just reminds you why you love the sport. Coming into this ODI series, Team India was feeling the pinch of some unfortunate injuries, with both Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer sidelined. But in Ranchi, the old guard stepped up in a massive way, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma putting on a show that silenced any and all doubters.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Virat Kohli slammed his magnificent 52nd ODI ton, scoring a crucial 135.
- ✓ Rohit Sharma broke Shahid Afridi's world record for the most ODI sixes in history.
- ✓ India posted a formidable total, finishing at 301/5 against South Africa in Ranchi.
- ✓ KL Rahul stepped in as captain with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer out due to injuries.
- ✓ South African pacer Nandre Burger was a key bowler, eventually dismissing the well-set Kohli.
The Stage is Set in Ranchi
Let's set the scene. India, despite being a powerhouse in ODIs, was walking into this match with a third different captain in three games, thanks to a string of injuries. Stand-in skipper KL Rahul had his work cut out for him. On the other side, South Africa was riding high after a 2-0 Test series win, feeling confident and looking for redemption in the shorter formats.
The toss felt pretty important. The Ranchi pitch was being used for the first time since being relaid, and it looked like a belter. But with dew expected to play a big part later in the evening, chasing seemed like the smart move. South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and, unsurprisingly, put India in to bat first.
An Explosive Start and a History-Making Feat
The crowd in Dhoni-land was buzzing, ready to see their heroes, and they weren't disappointed. Young gun Yashasvi Jaiswal came out swinging, riding the bounce from Marco Jansen and hooking him for a massive six. Though his cameo was short-lived—a corker from Nandre Burger found his edge for 18—he had set a blistering tone.
Then, the main event began. After Jaiswal's departure, Virat Kohli walked to the crease, and the Rohit-Kohli special was officially underway. Rohit, after surviving a dropped catch by Tony de Zorzi that must have felt like a huge reprieve, started to find his rhythm. He played some silky smooth shots, but the real fireworks came when he decided to rewrite the history books, surpassing Shahid Afridi's long-standing record for the most sixes in ODI history. It was a spectacular, powerful display that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
The Rohit-Kohli Show Takes Center Stage
Once they got going, it was just one-way traffic. Both Rohit and Kohli were pummelling the South African attack. The running between the wickets, the shot-making... it was like watching them a decade ago. They brought up their second consecutive 100-run partnership, and it looked like they were just getting started. It was a resounding answer to anyone questioning their place in the team with the 2027 World Cup still on the horizon.
While Rohit was taking his time initially before exploding, Kohli looked in sublime touch from the get-go. He was charging down the track, creating his own pace, and playing some vintage shots that had the crowd on its feet. The pressure mounted on Markram, who seemed to be running out of ideas against the two masters at work. Both reached their half-centuries in style, laying the perfect foundation.
King Kohli's Majestic 52nd Ton
Here’s the thing about a great Kohli innings—it’s a story in itself. He started off playing with T20-like intensity, then as wickets began to fall around him, he masterfully adjusted his gears. Marco Jansen finally got the breakthrough, trapping a set Rohit Sharma, and the momentum shifted slightly. The pitch started to slow down, making life difficult for the new batters.
This is where Kohli showed his class. While runs dried up and he lost the strike for a bit, he remained calm. Then, guiding a ball through the third-man region, he brought up his incredible 52nd ODI hundred. It was a brilliant knock that showcased both aggression and incredible game awareness. As was perfectly reckoned, "experience class not brought in the market." He truly is the King of this format.
After reaching the milestone, Kohli went into overdrive, smashing spinner Prenelan Subrayen for 21 runs in an over. He was all over the South African bowling before a slower ball from Nandre Burger finally deceived him, ending his marathon innings at 135. It was a crucial wicket for the visitors, taken thanks to a lovely catch by Ryan Rickelton.
Navigating the Tricky Middle Overs
With Rohit gone and the pitch getting tougher, it was a real test for the middle order. Ruturaj Gaikwad came in, a top-class player according to his captain, but he struggled to get going. The pressure built, and he eventually fell trying to cut a ball, with Dewald Brevis taking a stunning diving catch. India lost a few quick wickets, and it felt like South Africa was clawing their way back into the game.
This is where KL Rahul, batting down at number six, had to steady the ship alongside Kohli. They knew preserving wickets for the final overs was just as important as keeping the scoreboard ticking. Rahul played a key role in ensuring India didn't collapse, and his presence allowed Kohli to anchor the innings and set up a big finish.
Leadership, Opportunity, and the Road Ahead
Beyond the boundaries and centuries, this match also highlighted the current state of the Indian team. With injuries opening up spots, it was a huge opportunity for someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad. As KL Rahul mentioned before the game, it's tough for players like him because the top order is so settled, so he has to grab whatever chances he gets.
Speaking of Rahul, stepping into the captain's shoes isn't new for him, but it's always a challenge. He spoke about looking forward to the responsibility and leaning on the wealth of experience from senior players like Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja. It's that collective effort that defines this team, regardless of who has the "(c)" next to their name. This series is a big test of that depth and leadership.
Conclusion
What a day of cricket in Ranchi. It was a powerful statement from India's veterans. Rohit Sharma's record-breaking sixes and Virat Kohli's masterclass century were a reminder that even with key players missing, the heart of this batting lineup is as strong as ever. They've put a commanding total of 301 on the board, and with dew likely to make the ball slick, South Africa has a massive chase ahead of them. The series is just getting started, and it already feels like a classic.
