Batting stalwart Virat Kohli once again showed why he is one of the best ODI batters, smashing a brilliant 135 to script a narrow 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi. Kohli’s 52nd ODI hundred headlined the game despite South Africa’s batting efforts. Following the game, he shared how he continues to excel in the only format he still plays.
India entered the ODI series after having lost 19 consecutive tosses and coming off a disappointing Test series. Kohli and Rohit Sharma took on the opposition bowlers before India posted 349. Kohli later explained that at this stage of his career, meticulous practice is no longer his priority.
“Today was really nice to kind of get into the game like that. Pitch played decently in the first 20-25 overs before it started to slow down. Was just about staying in the space of enjoyment. Of course, when you get a start, you get into the situation, you know what needs to be done. The experience kicks in. I’ve never been a believer of preparation. All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it’s fine,” he said at the post-match interview.
Took a day off before the game: Virat Kohli
Walking in early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, the veteran instantly smashes a boundary off his first ball. He stitched a 136-run stand with Rohit Sharma, who also brought up a record for most ODI sixes.
His hundred came off 102 balls, leading to a fan running onto the field and falling at his feet. After reaching his ton, he hammered 20 runs off four deliveries against Prenelan Subrayen. His eventual 135 off 120 balls, laced with 11 fours and seven sixes, took India near 350. The Delhi-born spoke about his recovery at this age and opened up on his reflexes.
“I took a day off before the game. I’m 37 and need time for recovery. That’s how it’s always going to be – I’m just playing one form of the game. If you’ve played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you’re hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you’re hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it’s about physically fit, mentally ready and excited,” he added.
South Africa lost three wickets, courtesy of Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, but the Proteas bounced back through Matthew Breetzke’s 72, Marco Jansen’s 70 off 39, and Corbin Bosch’s 67. With 18 required off the final over, India held their nerve, with Prasidh Krishna closing out the match to seal a thrilling win.
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