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Virat Kohli delivered a masterful performance in Ranchi, smashing his record-extending 52nd ODI century with 135 runs off 120 balls, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes, to propel India to 349/8 against South Africa in the series opener. The 37-year-old’s knock, his finest since the 2025 Champions Trophy, silenced doubters amid retirement talks and propelled India to a thrilling 17-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead. Coming in after Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s early exit, Kohli forged a crucial 136-run second-wicket stand with Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), blending solid defense with explosive strokeplay on a batting-friendly pitch.
Gautam Gambhir stands up in awe of Virat Kohli’s record braking ton
South Africa captain Aiden Markram opted to bowl first, but India’s batting firepower overwhelmed their attack, with KL Rahul adding 60 off 56 to set a daunting target. Kohli eyed a double ton before falling to Nandre Burger, raising his bat to a roaring JSCA Stadium crowd. Cameras captured head coach Gautam Gambhir leading a standing ovation from the dressing room, joined by support staff like Sitanshu Kotak and Morne Morkel, before sharing a warm side hug with Kohli upon his return. This gesture underscored team unity, especially as Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar‘s marks for most ODI tons overall and against South Africa.
GAUTAM Gambhir appreciate Virat Kohli inning ..
Great gesture by Coach .
— Manvendra Sharma (@Manvendra__17)
Also READ: “I’d be lying if…”: KL Rahul on India’s nervy win over South Africa in Ranchi ODI
Kohli and Gambhir harmony amid speculation
Gambhir’s public acclaim put to rest whispers of tension with Kohli, absent visible interactions during recent nets post-Australia ODIs. Reports suggest BCCI officials, Gambhir, and selector Ajit Agarkar may convene in Ahmedabad to chart futures for Kohli and Rohit, possibly mandating Vijay Hazare participation for match readiness toward the 2027 World Cup. Gambhir had previously affirmed a strong personal bond with Kohli, emphasizing maturity beyond on-field rivalries like their IPL clashes.
Kuldeep Yadav‘s four wickets, including Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70), sealed the win despite a late Proteas surge to 332 all out. Kohli’s post-match resolve—”If I’m arriving somewhere, I’ll arrive at 120%“—highlights his focus on ODIs alone after Test and T20I retirements. This Ranchi masterclass reaffirms his legacy, boosting India’s campaign with Gambhir’s backing evident in every applaud.
Also READ: IND vs SA: Virat Kohli shuts down Test retirement U-turn talk with clear statement
