India secured a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the 1st ODI at Ranchi, propelled by a dominant 349/8 total where veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showcased their enduring ODI prowess
through a 136-run partnership-their 20th century stand in the format.
Kohli anchored the innings with a masterful 135 off 120 balls (11 fours, 7 sixes), his record-extending 52nd ODI ton and 83rd overall international century, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar's mark for most hundreds in a single format.
From the dressing room, Rohit erupted in unbridled joy as Kohli reached the milestone via a boundary off Marco Jansen-his third ODI hundred at the venue-clapping furiously, pumping fists, and mouthing expletives in raw excitement that quickly went viral on social media.
Watch Rohit Sharma Reaction
Sometimes emotions just hit differently. This is Rohit Sharma. For Virat Kohli. From a lot of Indian cricket fans as well for the directionless cricket board and management, I guess. #IndVsSA pic.twitter.com/NqhFG8rHVn
- Nikhil Kharoo (@nkharoo) November 30, 2025
This candid reaction underscored the duo's deepening camaraderie amid speculation over their roles ahead of the 2027 World Cup, especially post their T20I and Test retirements, with ODIs now their focal point.
Rohit contributed a brisk 57 off 51 (5 fours, 3 sixes), eclipsing Shahid Afridi's ODI sixes record with his 352nd maximum before a low delivery from Jansen ended his stay, marking his third successive fifty-plus score. KL Rahul's 60 off 56 further bolstered the total, setting a challenging chase that South Africa nearly matched at 332 all out in 49.2 overs, falling short despite Marco Jansen's 70 off 39 and Matthew Breetzke's 72 off 80.
