NEW DELHI: At a stage of his career where every ODI innings is under scrutiny, star batter Virat Kohli delivered a statement century — his 52nd in the format — to propel India to a commanding 349 for 8 against South Africa in the series-opener on Sunday.

Kohli reaffirmed his authority and relevance in the only international format he now plays, producing a fluent 135-run knock that formed the backbone of India’s innings.

His commanding innings came off 120 balls and featured seven sixes and 11 fours. The 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) for the second wicket laid the foundation for India’s imposing total on a largely flat track at JSCA Stadium.

With Kohli no longer part of T20Is and India scheduled for just six ODIs over the next eight months, every appearance in the format carries extra significance.

The 36-year-old responded with trademark authority, reminding selectors and team management that he remains India’s most reliable batter in the format.

Rohit also had a solid platform to assert himself after being dropped early, though he could manage only 57 before being trapped by Jansen.

Still, their 136-run stand — in what was a much-anticipated Ro-Ko show — would boost confidence not only for the two stalwarts but also for the team management, proving they can still deliver on the big stage.

It was a flat pitch, but the Proteas bowlers were guilty of not maintaining a probing line and length.

Kohli walked in early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 18 ended via a faint edge off Nandre Burger, and the Ranchi crowd immediately sensed the reunion they had been waiting for.

The Ro-Ko show

Rohit survived a sitter on one, spilled by Tony de Zorzi at mid-wicket, and used the reprieve to settle before opening up with a series of boundaries against Jansen and Corbin Bosch.

He hit Marco Jansen for two boundaries in five balls and took on Bosch with ease, flicking the full deliveries and pulling the short balls with authority.

Kohli, meanwhile, was in vintage touch — a six over mid-off off Burger displayed both intent and precision, followed by a silken cover drive.

With South Africa’s pacers erring in line and length, the pair raced along the scoreboard, forcing stand-in captain Aiden Markram to bring on off-spinner Pranelan Subrayen, but runs continued to flow.

Kohli brought up his fifty with a six off Bosch, while Rohit reached his fifty with a single as India crossed the 100-run mark in quick time.

Jansen finally struck back, trapping Rohit leg before wicket. The dismissal briefly slowed India’s momentum as Kohli faced a phase of limited strike.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (8) and Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 5, fell in quick succession to Ottneil Baartman, halting India’s early charge.

Rotating the strike smartly and punishing the loose balls, he ensured India stayed on course. Soon after completing his hundred, a fan breached security, knelt before Kohli, touched his feet, and was quickly removed by security officials.

What stood out was Kohli’s ability to change gears even as the ball softened, making stroke-making increasingly challenging. With skipper KL Rahul (60) struggling against Subrayen, Kohli attacked him for 21 runs with two sixes and a four.

Though the 2027 World Cup is still some time away, Kohli reminded everyone that his touch remains intact and his hunger insatiable.