The Aryavarth Express
Ranchi (Jharkhand): India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Virat Kohli for his vintage-style century in Ranchi, dismissing any doubts about the star batter’s long-term future as the team builds toward the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Kohli lit up the JSCA Stadium with a masterful ton marked by sharp footwork, authoritative strokeplay, and trademark aggression—an innings many felt evoked the best of his early-career dominance.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Kotak said, “It was an outstanding knock. He batted really well. He is an outstanding player who took full responsibility. As far as I know, his back is fine. I don’t know why we need to question anything. The way he’s batting, the way his fitness is—there are no questions about anything.”
Kotak also brushed aside speculation regarding the future of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating the team is simply enjoying their presence, performances, and guidance for younger players.
Reflecting on the match conditions, Kotak noted that heavy dew made batting much easier in the second innings and praised young pacer Harshit Rana for breaking through early.
“After so much dew, it becomes extremely hard for bowlers to grip the ball. It skids a lot. Credit to Harshit for taking early wickets—otherwise, scoring would have been much easier for South Africa,” Kotak added.
Match Summary
Put in to bat, India posted 349/8. Yashasvi Jaiswal departed early for 18, but Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) and Kohli stabilized the innings with a 136-run stand. India wobbled briefly before KL Rahul (60) and Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) powered the total past 340.
South Africa’s chase began disastrously at 11/3, but partnerships kept them alive. Tony de Zorzi (39), Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (80 off 39), and Corbin Bosch (67) all contributed, with Jansen and Breetzke’s 97-run stand nearly turning the game around. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s timely strikes and Harshit Rana’s 3/65 ensured India held on for a 17-run win.
India now leads the series 1–0, with Virat Kohli earning the Player of the Match award.
