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Irfan Pathan praised Virat Kohli for his 52nd ODI century in India’s 17-run win over South Africa in Ranchi, highlighting his adaptability and a key partnership with Rohit Sharma.
Virat Kohli smashed his 52nd ODI and 83rd international century (AP)
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Virat Kohli after he scored a match-winning century in India’s 17-run victory over South Africa in the primary ODI in Ranchi. Reflecting on Kohli’s knock, Pathan noted that the innings showcased two distinct sides of the previous India captain.
“When you see this innings, you’ll notice two Virat Kohlis, one an aggressor within the powerplay, and the opposite after the powerplay, when wickets were falling. Then he became an adamant batter who was not ready to present up his wicket,” Pathan explained on his YouTube channel.
“This happens when you’ve got got quite a lot of experience, and Virat Kohli has quite a lot of experience, he has fitness,” he added.
Amidst discussions about his ODI future heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup, Virat continued to captivate fans by hitting his 52nd ODI century, setting a record for essentially the most centuries in a single format by a batter. During his 120-ball stay, Virat scored 135 runs with 11 fours and 7 sixes, making it certainly one of his more enjoyable centuries in recent times.
Nonetheless, Pathan felt that a few of India’s other batters missed the chance to make an impact.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar wasted their opportunities,” he said.
Gaikwad, returning to the ODI side, managed only 8 off 14 balls. Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 5, also did not capitalise and was dismissed for 13.
‘Form Ro-Ko Are Carrying…’
Pathan, though, expressed delight at the shape of India’s senior batters.
“The way in which the Indian team performed on this match, one thing is definite, the shape that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are carrying, I’m really having fun with it. I hope they proceed playing as much as possible,” he added.
Rohit Sharma contributed a fluent 57 off 51 balls, including five fours and three sixes, and together, Rohit and Kohli stitched a vital 136-run stand, laying the platform for India’s massive total.
India posted 349/8 after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 136-run stand set the platform, supported by KL Rahul’s regular fifty. South Africa slipped to 11/3 but fought back through Jansen, Breetzke and Bosch. Kuldeep Yadav’s breakthroughs proved decisive as India held on for a 17-run win to go 1-0 up within the ODI series.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Ranchi, India, India
December 01, 2025, 11:24 IST
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