Table of Contents

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli reaffirmed his enduring value to India's ODI setup with a perfectly paced century that anchored his team to a 17-run victory over South Africa in the series-opener on Sunday.

On a flat JSCA Stadium pitch, Kohli (135 off 120 balls) controlled the innings from the moment he walked in, blending classical stroke-play with measured acceleration to help India post a formidable 349 for eight.

The importance of Kohli’s 52nd ODI hundred became evident as South Africa’s chase faltered under sustained pressure. Harshit Rana (3/54), Arshdeep Singh (2/64), and left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4/68) ensured wickets came at crucial junctures, with India maintaining control throughout.

Kuldeep and Rana Put South Africa Under Pressure

A breezy 97-run partnership between Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70) threatened India’s grip on the match, but Kuldeep struck in quick succession, removing both set batters in three balls to tilt the contest decisively. Rana had earlier reduced the Proteas top order to 11 for 3, dismissing Ryan Rickelton (0) and Quinton de Kock (0) in the space of three deliveries.

Captain Aiden Markram’s brief resistance ended on seven when Arshdeep trapped him, leaving South Africa reeling. Dewald Brevis (37 off 28) tried to inject momentum with three sixes, but Rana returned to claim his third wicket at 130 for five, effectively quelling the chase.

The Ro-Ko Show

The innings had begun with Kohli joining Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) after his early dismissal. Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) survived a sitter and built a steady partnership with Kohli, putting the bowlers under pressure. Kohli, in vintage touch, showcased his full range with a six over mid-off followed by a flawless cover drive.

The duo capitalised on South Africa’s erratic line and length, reaching the 100-run mark in quick time. Kohli raised his half-century with a six off Corbin Bosch, while Rohit reached his fifty with a single. Eventually, Jansen trapped Rohit leg before, briefly slowing India’s momentum, but Kohli held firm.

Fan Breaches Security During Century

Soon after completing his hundred, a fan ran onto the field, knelt, and touched Kohli’s feet before being taken away by security. Despite the interruption, Kohli continued to accelerate, even against a softening ball.

When captain KL Rahul (60) struggled against spinner Pranelan Subrayen, Kohli unleashed 21 runs in a flurry, including two sixes and a four, showcasing his ability to anchor and dominate simultaneously.

With the 2027 World Cup still months away, Kohli’s innings served as a timely reminder that his touch and hunger remain undiminished, keeping India firmly in control.

(With PTI Inputs)