Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match after scoring a brilliant 135 runs in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. His knock helped India reach a strong total of 349, which eventually led to a 17-run victory. As soon as Kohli played this outstanding innings, social media was flooded with rumours claiming that the BCCI wanted him to reconsider his Test retirement.
Fans started hoping he would return to Test cricket, especially because he had dominated that format for years. But now it’s clear that Kohli has no plans to come back, and those rumours can be put to rest.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s post on Kohli goes viral
Yuzvendra Chahal was among the many who took to social media to celebrate Virat Kohli’s brilliant knock. The spinner shared a picture with Kohli on Instagram and added a heartfelt caption.
Chahal wrote a poetic line in Hindi: “Jahan charche bade hote hain, wahan Virat bhaiya khade hote hain,” which means, “Wherever there’s a big conversation, you’ll always find Virat at the centre of it.”
He also added fun emojis, including a king’s crown and a GOAT symbol, to highlight Kohli’s legendary status.
During his conversation with Harsha Bhogle, he said that he will only play ODI cricket until he retires from international cricket and he has no plans to return to Test cricket.
Earlier this year, Kohli surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from Test cricket after playing 123 matches. He finished his Test career with 29 centuries and just a few runs short of 10,000. India’s recent Test series loss to South Africa revived discussions about whether the team still needed Kohli in the format.
Harsha Bhogle asks the big question
During the post-match presentation after the ODI, Harsha Bhogle asked him whether he would continue playing just one format. Kohli gave a clear answer.
“You’re now only playing one form of the game. Oh, by the way, is that how it’s always going to be? I thought I’d slip that in,” Bhogle asked.
“Yes, that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game,” Kohli said.
Kohli and Rohit rewind the old days
After being asked to bat first, India started strong as Rohit Sharma and Kohli built a 136-run partnership for the second wicket. It felt like the old times, with both matching each other shot for shot. Kohli played aggressively early on, stepping out to smash fast bowlers during the powerplay. Rohit also completed his fifty but was dismissed for 57.
Kohli, however, continued calmly and went on to score another ODI century, helping India reach 349.
Speaking after the match about his mindset and approach, Kohli said, “I’ve never been a big believer of a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel mentally I can play the game, I work physically very hard every day of my life.”
“It’s got nothing to do with cricket anymore. It’s the way I live. So as long as my fitness levels are up and my mental enjoyment and sharpness is there, when you can visualise the game and you see yourself running as hard, reacting fast on the ball, then you know it’s fine,” he added.
India beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century became the main highlight of the match.
