Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Fifties Put India In Control In IND vs SA 1st ODI

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma paired up to score fifties in the first ODI against South Africa at Ranchi.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the first ODI against South Africa scored fluent half-centuries and in the process, cemented their status as India’s most prolific pairing in international cricket.

Returning to the side after a break, the veteran duo showed no signs of rust, steering India to a commanding position after the hosts were asked to bat first. The roar at the JSCA International Stadium Complex was also for the historic milestone the pair achieved simply by walking onto the field.

This match is their 392nd international appearance together, taking them past the legendary pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who played 391 times for India.

The foundation for India’s strong total was set after the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal. What followed was a masterclass from the ‘Ro-Ko’ duo. Rohit Sharma was in a typically aggressive mood, racing to a 51-ball 57. His innings, laced with 5 fours and 3 sixes, provided the early momentum and put the South African bowlers on the back foot.

At the other end, Virat Kohli also steered into the aggressive channel by seamlessly shifting gears to keep the scoreboard ticking. He brought up a composed half-century of his own, and by the time Rohit was dismissed, the pair had already done the damage.

Their 136-run partnership for the second wicket was not just about winning the match; it was a record-extending feat. This marked their 20th 100-run partnership in international cricket.

Kohli, unbeaten on a masterful 85 from 78 balls, at the time of writing, finds himself on the elite list of India’s most frequent pairs twice, with his partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (309 games) also featuring prominently.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad providing steady company, India reached a powerful 183/2 in just 26.2 overs, putting them in the driver’s seat.