Ranchi

Virat Kohli produced a statement century at a decisive phase of his career, smashing a sublime 135 to steer India to a commanding 349/8 against South Africa in the first ODI here on Sunday.

Under scrutiny with ODI opportunities shrinking, the 36-year-old delivered his 52nd ODI hundred, reaffirming his stature as India’s most reliable batter in the format. His 120-ball innings featured 11 fours and seven sixes, controlling India’s innings on a placid JSCA Stadium pitch.

Kohli combined with skipper Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) for a 136-run second-wicket stand, igniting the much-awaited “RoKo show” after Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for 18. Rohit, dropped on 1, capitalised briefly with fluent strokeplay before being trapped by Marco Jansen.

South Africa’s pacers struggled for consistency, repeatedly punished for erring in line and length. Kohli, in vintage touch, signalled intent with a straight six off Burger and unleashed a sequence of classic drives as India motored past 100 in quick time.

After Rohit’s dismissal, India stumbled with quick wickets — Ruturaj Gaikwad (8) and Washington Sundar — as Ottneil Baartman pegged them back. But Kohli maintained composure, rotating strike, dictating tempo and shifting gears even after the ball softened.

His century was followed by a brief security breach when an emotional fan sprinted in, touched his feet, and was escorted away.

Kohli later unleashed a burst against spinner Pranelan Subrayen, who had troubled KL Rahul (60). While Rahul found acceleration difficult, Kohli hammered the off-spinner for 21 runs in an over.

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Though the next ODI World Cup is two years away, Kohli’s knock was a forceful reminder that his hunger and timing remain undiminished.