In the first ODI match against South Africa, Team India secured a dominating win by 17 runs at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Jharkhand.
During the match, Team India stalwart Virat Kohli played a glorious knock against the Proteas. Facing 120 balls, he smashed 135 runs, which was laced with 11 boundaries and seven maximums. This was also the right-hander`s 52nd ton in the ODIs, which is the most by any batsman in the format`s history.
Earlier, there were speculations about the right-hander`s future in the 50-over format, but after this knock, Team India`s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that there should be no questions about it, considering his form and fitness.
Speaking about Kohli, Kotak said, “I really don`t know why actually we need to look at all this. He`s batting so well. Why do we need to talk about his future? The way he`s performing, the way his fitness is, there are no questions about anything”.
“He`s just brilliant, man. As long as he keeps batting like this, there is no point talking about anything else,” he added.
When asked if India`s think tank conducts conversations about the ODI World Cup 2027, the batting coach declined it by saying no one talks about the global showpiece as of now.
“I feel these things shouldn`t happen. They (Ro-Ko) are brilliant, they are performing, and they are contributing to the team. For us, once the team comes and practice starts, we just enjoy. I don`t even think we are talking anything about the 2027 World Cup,” said the 53-year-old former cricketer.
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 PTI Inputs)
