Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli created a sensation in Ranchi. India lost the toss and batted first in the first ODI against South Africa, but these two legends performed brilliantly.
Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century, his 83rd international ton overall. Rohit broke the record for most sixes in ODIs.
These two revitalized the series in the very first match. Fans are overjoyed, and social media is abuzz with praise.
Mohammad Kaif, himself a former prodigy, praised the duo.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote,
Virat Kohli has a determination to prove his critics wrong… King for a reason.” Meaning, Virat has the determination to prove his critics wrong. Kaif further added, “Virat Kohli shows his old ways. He’s still good. A shower of sixes to set the pace, holding on as wickets fell, and all-out aggression after reaching 100. Masterclass in pacing the ODI innings, a lesson for youngsters who struggled towards the end.”
In other words, Virat showed that age is nothing. He rained sixes in the beginning, controlled the middle, and launched a full-fledged attack after his century. This is a perfect lesson for young players.
Rohit’s bat said, age is just a number!
The two shared a brilliant partnership of 136 runs for the second wicket. Rohit surpassed Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi’s record of 351 sixes. He is 38 years old, but has already hit 350 sixes in 277 matches.
Kaif also praised Rohit, writing on Instagram, “Rohit Sharma is letting his bat do the talking and telling the world that age is just a number. What a player.”
The bat itself is responding, telling the world that age is just a number. Thanks to Kohli’s explosive performance, India scored 349/8 in 50 overs. Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl, but the two botched the plan.
Kaif also spoke about Virat’s captaincy on Saturday. In the video,
he said, “Virat Kohli went one step ahead of MS Dhoni. When India was in trouble, his aggression stood out and told the players to play to take 20 wickets, otherwise don’t come to the ground. That was his message to the players.”
Kaif added, “Under Kohli, we lost only two Tests in seven years in 31 matches. His motto was also to keep the core and fully support the pace bowlers. He backed the pacers fully overseas, but even at home, he utilized Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma. He made plans according to the opposition.”
Under Kohli, India lost only two Tests in seven years. He kept the core team and fully supported the fast bowlers. The plans worked as planned both at home and abroad.
This match showed that the Rohit-Kohli magic is still intact. South Africa is now under pressure; the next match will be even more exciting. Fans expect similar performances.
