In the first ODI match against South Africa, Team India, under the captaincy of KL Rahul, secured a win by 17 runs at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Jharkhand.
Stalwart Virat Kohli`s glorious century was the highlight of the match. Facing 120 balls, the right-hander scored 135 runs, which was laced with 11 boundaries and seven maximums.
Speaking about his knock, former Team India cricketer Irfan Pathan noted two different approaches the right-hander showcased while batting in the match.
The former cricketer said that Virat showcased his aggressive version while batting in the powerplay and later became an adamant batsman when the wickets kept falling from the other end.
“If you see this innings, you will notice two Virat Kohlis, one an aggressor in the powerplay, and the other after the powerplay, when wickets were falling. Then he became an adamant batter who was not ready to give up his wicket,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“This happens when you have got a lot of experience, and Virat Kohli has a lot of experience, he has fitness,” added Irfan.
Further speaking, he feels that Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar wasted the opportunities that came their way.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar wasted their opportunities,” said the 41-year-old former cricketer.
Along with Kohli, Rohit Sharma also delivered a stunning knock. In 51 balls, the Nagpur-born cricketer accumulated 57 runs, with the help of five boundaries and three maximums.
Irfan said that he is enjoying the form that the two stalwarts are carrying and is hopeful of the duo playing as much as possible.
“The way the Indian team performed in this match, one thing is certain, the form that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are carrying, I am really enjoying it. I hope they continue playing as much as possible,” he signed off.
Later, Team India`s star spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets and helped the “Men in Blue” cruise to victory.
Bowling 10 overs, he conceded 68 runs. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh bagged three and two wickets, respectively. Prasidh Krishna also chipped in by picking up one wicket. With this, the hosts have taken a lead by 1-0 in the three-match ODI series against the Proteas.
The second ODI match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played on December 3 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur.
(With ANI Inputs)
