An active icon in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli made the cricket world doff its hat as he slammed a whirlwind knock of 135 runs in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Kohli, coming into the game on the back of a poor show in Australia, looked in supreme touch since the first ball. Kohli's hundred, his 52nd in the format, was instrumental in India securing a 17-run victory. While fans couldn't stop hailing Kohli's performance, even his teammates and coaching staff were mesmerised.
Virat Kohli's 135-Run Masterclass Floors Indian Team. Coach Said This After Game
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Virat Kohli's stupendous 135 in the first innings against South Africa in Ranchi left the entire Indian team in awe.
Virat Kohli scored 135 against South Africa in 1st ODI© AFP
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India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate was pleased to see Kohli taking India to a total they could defend on a surface that saw batters getting a big boost in the second innings due to dew.
"It was very pleasing. The guys identified that we needed a premium score. And that wicket for neither team was going to come in. And the way the batters went about it. And obviously, Virat, a big hundred in a row. Getting us out of the blocks. Finishing off to get us a score that was above what you'd normally need in a wicket like this was good," said the Dutchman.
Teammate Tilak Varma, who wasn't a part of the playing XI for the Ranchi ODI, was delighted to have seen Kohli in action live.
"We have seen one of the best knocks again. I am very happy that I have seen a hundred of Virat bhai live. Since the last 17 years, he has been electrifying on the field. The batting, fielding, everything. He is absolutely at the top, and I have learnt a lot from him, and it's a pleasure to watch him live. I will keep talking to him and learn as much as I can," said Tilak.
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