Virat Kohli’s brilliant 52nd ODI century and Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking performance helped India secure a narrow 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi on Sunday. The stellar display from India’s two senior-most batters comes at a crucial juncture, just days before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) holds a high-stakes meeting to discuss their ODI future ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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Record-Breaking Performance in Ranchi
Virat Kohli scored 135 off 120 balls, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes, while Rohit Sharma contributed 57 off 51 balls in a commanding 136-run partnership for the second wicket. The duo turned back the clock with an explosive start that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 349/8.
Kohli’s hundred came after a nine-month wait, mostly because he plays just one format, and the reaction was emotional as he jumped for joy and looked towards the skies with folded hands. The former India captain had endured back-to-back ducks in the Australia series before bouncing back with an unbeaten 74 and now this masterclass in Ranchi.
For Rohit Sharma, the milestone was equally significant. His third six, a pull off Marco Jansen moments after bringing up his fifty, took him past Shahid Afridi’s world-record tally of 351 ODI sixes to reach 352. Already the holder of the record for most sixes in international cricket, the 38-year-old demonstrated why he remains indispensable to India’s white-ball setup.
Answering Questions With Bat in Hand
Ravi Shastri, who knows Kohli better than most, said he had proven a few people wrong with this hundred. The statement holds particular weight given the scrutiny both veterans have faced regarding their ODI futures.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will remain in the spotlight while questions persist about their roles, as the next World Cup takes India to South Africa in late 2027. Both players now exclusively play ODI cricket after retiring from T20Is and Tests, making their form and fitness critical talking points for selectors and team management.
The Ranchi performance was a resounding response to critics. Kohli and Rohit respected the need to maximize the new ball themselves, with Kohli hitting two sixes in the first 10 overs for the first time when batting first in his career. Their aggressive intent set the tone for India’s innings despite losing the toss for the 19th consecutive time in ODIs.
| Virat Kohli vs South Africa – 1st ODI Performance | |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 135 |
| Balls Faced | 120 |
| Fours | 11 |
| Sixes | 7 |
| Strike Rate | 112.50 |
| ODI Century Number | 52nd (World Record) |
| Partnership with Rohit | 136 runs |
| Celebration | Emotional, looked skyward |
| Rohit Sharma vs South Africa – 1st ODI Performance | |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 57 |
| Balls Faced | 51 |
| Fours | 4 |
| Sixes | 5 |
| Strike Rate | 111.76 |
| ODI Six Number | 352nd (New World Record) |
| Previous Record Holder | Shahid Afridi (351) |
| ODI Fifty Number | 60th |
BCCI Meeting Scheduled After Series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India will organize a meeting between India’s two senior-most batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. This crucial discussion is scheduled to take place after the three-match ODI series against South Africa concludes.
According to a report by The Times of India, top BCCI officials, India head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are slated to attend the discussions, with the focus on defining the roles of Rohit and Kohli in ODIs and planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The discussion is expected to revolve around workload management, role clarity, expectations, form, and availability outside international cricket. The BCCI wants to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page regarding the roadmap to the World Cup, which is still 22 months away.
Non-Committal Stance on 2027 World Cup
Although it’s pretty clear Rohit and Kohli are targeting the ODI World Cup 2027, no official communication has been made between them and the board. This lack of formal commitment has prompted the BCCI to seek clarity on their long-term plans.
Previously, Ajit Agarkar revealed that both seniors were “non-committal” when it came to the ODI World Cup. However, their dedication to fitness and continued performances suggest otherwise. Rohit has taken a step towards playing longer innings by shedding weight, while Kohli trains four times a week in London, showing the drive and hunger are still there.
Concerns Over Australia Series Performance
Despite their Ranchi heroics, the BCCI has expressed concerns about the duo’s performances in Australia earlier this year. Officials felt both Rohit and Kohli appeared rusty in the first two matches, and by the time they settled in, India had already lost the series.
A source told The Times of India: “They did score runs in the third ODI in Australia. But the series was already lost and the match was set up by the bowlers in the first innings. They looked rusty in the first two matches. One can’t afford that in every series“.
The management wants Rohit to continue playing the fearless attacking cricket that defined his approach during the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. In the Australia ODIs, Rohit adopted a cautious approach, possibly due to uncertainty over his role, and officials want him to lead by example as a fearless batter at the top of the order.
Domestic Cricket Participation Debate
The real bone of contention could be the domestic cricket factor, with Rohit said to be inclined to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai, while there’s no clarity yet regarding Kohli. The selectors and team management want both veterans to participate in domestic tournaments to maintain match sharpness during gaps in the international calendar.
At the team selection press conference for the Australia tour, Agarkar had said: “Yeah, I think we have made it clear a couple of years back now that whenever the guys are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. That’s the only way you will keep yourself sharp if you have got a long enough break“.
However, there’s a school of thought that questions whether the strict domestic cricket requirement should apply to players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature. The two former India captains have 581 matches, 25,625 runs and 84 centuries between them in the 50-over format.
| Key Discussion Points for BCCI Meeting | |
|---|---|
| Workload Management | How to manage fitness with only ODI cricket |
| Role Clarity | Defining batting positions and expectations |
| 2027 World Cup Commitment | Official confirmation of participation plans |
| Domestic Cricket | Vijay Hazare Trophy participation requirements |
| Form Concerns | Addressing rustiness at start of series |
| Backup Options | Identifying potential replacements if unavailable |
| Match Practice | Scheduling between international assignments |
Support From Team Management
Despite the concerns, there’s strong support for the veterans within the setup. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel was asked about the two and the 2027 World Cup, and said: “I feel that their bodies can do that“.
A BCCI source emphasized: “It is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They can’t just be playing with uncertainty“.
Ranchi Performance Shifts Narrative
In the Ranchi ODI, Rohit and Kohli were India’s best batters by quite some distance, with Kohli playing one of his finest ODI knocks featuring newfound aggression against spin. The performance demonstrated that writing off the veterans would be premature.
Kohli broke into an emotional celebration when bringing up his hundred, his first since February, acknowledging the scrutiny around his and Rohit’s future. After reaching the milestone, he went into renewed assault mode, hitting two more sixes and scoring 35 off the next 17 balls.
The duo’s impact extended beyond their batting. Under Rohit, India hit eight sixes in the first 20 overs, their joint-most in an ODI innings. The aggressive template set by the openers allowed India to post a challenging total despite a slowdown in the middle overs.
BCCI’s Final Authority
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar might not have the last word on the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as ultimately it would be the BCCI’s call, with the 2027 World Cup high on the cricket board’s agenda.
This clarification suggests that despite input from selectors and team management, the final decision on the veterans’ future will rest with the board. Rohit and Kohli have earned the right to be treated a little differently in terms of trusting their judgment and their plans for the future.
Looking Ahead
India has another white-ball series against New Zealand in January, followed by a three-match ODI series in England next July. How Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform in these assignments will likely influence the board’s final decision on their World Cup participation.
For now, the Ranchi performance has silenced critics and demonstrated that both veterans still possess the class and hunger to compete at the highest level. Kohli’s 52nd ODI century means nobody has scored more hundreds in a single format, further cementing his status as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time.
The upcoming meeting between the BCCI, Gambhir, Agarkar, and the two senior batters will be crucial in charting India’s path to the 2027 World Cup. With form on their side and records tumbling, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a compelling case for continued selection, but the final chapter of their ODI careers remains to be written.
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FAQs
What records did Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma break in the 1st ODI against South Africa?
Virat Kohli scored his record 52nd ODI century, the most by any player in a single format. Rohit Sharma hit his 352nd ODI six, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s previous world record of 351 sixes.
When will the BCCI meeting about Rohit and Kohli’s ODI future take place?
The meeting is scheduled to take place after the three-match ODI series against South Africa concludes, likely in Ahmedabad or Raipur. BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will attend.
What topics will be discussed in the BCCI meeting?
Key discussion points include workload management, role clarity, 2027 World Cup commitment, domestic cricket participation (Vijay Hazare Trophy), addressing form concerns, and identifying backup options if either player becomes unavailable.
Why is there uncertainty about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s World Cup participation?
Both players have been “non-committal” about the 2027 ODI World Cup according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. With the tournament 22 months away and both playing only one format, the BCCI wants official confirmation of their plans and clarity on roles.
What was significant about their performance in the Ranchi ODI?
Their 136-run partnership laid the foundation for India’s 349/8 total. Kohli scored his first century in nine months (135 off 120 balls), while Rohit became the all-time leader in ODI sixes (352). The performance answered critics questioning their continued relevance to the team.
