Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Kohli Confirms ODI Focus Amid Test Return Speculation
Virat Kohli scored a fantastic 135 runs in an ODI match against South Africa, helping India win by 17 runs.
He said he will only play ODIs and not return to Test cricket, even though some people think he should come back after India's recent Test losses.
Rohit Sharma also did well, breaking a world record for the most sixes in ODIs.
South Africa's lower-order batters put up a good fight but couldn't win.
The next match is in Raipur on Wednesday.
Virat Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century with 135 runs off 120 balls, helping India post 349/8.
Rohit Sharma hit his 352nd ODI six, surpassing Shahid Afridi's record, and scored 57 runs.
South Africa's lower-order batters, including Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (50), fought back but fell short at 332 all out.
Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana were India's top bowlers with 4/68 and 3/65 respectively.
Kohli confirmed he will only play ODIs and not return to Test cricket, despite speculation.
- Who
- Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, South Africa's lower-order batters
- What
- India's 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI, Kohli's century, and Test return speculation
- When
- November 30, 2025
- Where
- JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
- Why
- Kohli's performance and recent Test series losses sparked discussions about his potential return
- Virat Kohli's ODI Century
- 135 runs off 120 balls (11 fours, 7 sixes)
- Rohit Sharma's Record
- 352nd ODI six, surpassing Shahid Afridi's record
- India's ODI Series Lead
- 1-0 after first match against South Africa
- South Africa's Top Scorers
- Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), Corbin Bosch (50)
- India's Bowling Performances
- Kuldeep Yadav (4/68), Harshit Rana (3/65)
- Kohli's Retirement Stance
- Confirmed ODI as the only format he will play
- Match Venue
- JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
- Next ODI Match
- Raipur on Wednesday
Sources
Did Virat Kohli communicate with BCCI on Test retirement U-turn? Secretary Devajit Saikia says ‘do not give weight to…’
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Coming Back To Test Cricket? Kevin Pietersen Reacts To Rumours
‘Well tried’: India go 1-0 up in ODI series but South African lower-order earns praise for fightback in Ranchi
Virat Kohli comments on Test return: Check his comments as Harsha Bhogle teases him about it after IND vs SA 1st ODI
India defeats South Africa in nail-biter 1st ODI on stellar show by Kohli, Harshit, Kuldeep
‘That doesn’t cut ice for me’: R Ashwin reacts to speculations surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future amid IND vs SA ODI series
'Nobody Makes Instinctive Decisions': Ex-India Star Dismisses Speculations On Virat Kohli's Test Retirement Amid IND vs SA ODI Series
Ex-India all-rounder urges fans to stop worrying about Kohli and Rohit's future: 'Enjoy them while they play'
