In a high-octane start to the three-match ODI series, India delivered a commanding performance against South Africa in Ranchi, clinching victory in a match that saw individual brilliance and a spirited Proteas fightback. The game, played on November 30, 2025, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, was a showcase of power-hitting, strategic bowling, and an exhilarating chase that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Kohli’s Historic Century Powers India to Mammoth Total

The foundation of India’s triumph was laid by a batting masterclass, primarily orchestrated by none other than Virat Kohli. The former captain smashed a record-extending 52nd ODI century, an astonishing 135 runs off just 102 balls, featuring 11 fours and 7 colossal sixes. This magnificent knock not only delighted the Ranchi crowd but also saw Kohli etch his name further into the annals of cricket history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most hundreds by a batter in a single format. For perspective, Tendulkar holds 51 Test centuries, while Kohli now boasts 52 in ODIs, a testament to his unparalleled consistency in the 50-over game. Legendary Sunil Gavaskar, in awe of Kohli’s performance, fittingly hailed him as the ‘Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T)’ in ODIs, highlighting his staggering career tally of 14,390 runs in 306 matches at an average of 58.02.

Kohli’s innings wasn’t a lone effort. He received excellent support from the returning Rohit Sharma, who played a fiery knock of 57. Rohit’s innings was particularly significant as he also broke Shahid Afridi’s record for the most maximums by a batter in ODI history, smashing his 352nd six to go past Afridi’s 351. This achievement underscores Rohit’s status as one of white-ball cricket’s most destructive openers, achieving this feat in significantly fewer matches. Stand-in captain KL Rahul also contributed a crucial 60 runs, ensuring India maintained a formidable scoring rate. Late fireworks from Ravindra Jadeja, who hammered 28 runs off just 16 balls, further propelled India to a massive total of 349/8 in their allotted 50 overs, a score that felt daunting even on a good batting surface.

The Indian team management, led by KL Rahul and head coach Gautam Gambhir, made some ‘bold calls’ in their team selection. Opting for three frontline pacers over an all-rounder like Nitish Reddy, and slotting Washington Sundar at No. 5, replacing Axar Patel’s role, indicated a clear strategy. Ruturaj Gaikwad made his ODI comeback at No. 4, in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer, showcasing the depth and intent of the Indian squad. These decisions, particularly with Gambhir reportedly ‘under scrutiny’ after a recent Test series setback, highlighted a determined effort to ‘stabilise the narrative and showcase clarity in India’s white-ball direction’ as per pre-match analysis.

South Africa’s Spirited Reply and Valiant Fightback

Chasing a challenging 350, South Africa’s innings began in disarray, collapsing to a precarious 11/3 at one stage. Harshit Rana, making an instant impact, ‘breathing fire’ with the new ball, dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in quick succession. Arshdeep Singh compounded their troubles by removing captain Aiden Markram, leaving the Proteas reeling. However, the South Africans, known for their resilience, mounted an incredible fightback that transformed the ‘tide of this contest’.

Matthew Breetzke played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with a stunning half-century, eventually scoring 72. His composure allowed others to express themselves, most notably Marco Jansen. Jansen unleashed an absolute ‘whirlwind’ of an innings, smashing 70 runs off just 26 balls, an ‘absolutely incredible knock’ that included 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, bringing up his fifty in a mere 26 deliveries. Dewald Brevis, too, contributed an aggressive 37 runs, including a magnificent six off Ravindra Jadeja, as he put the Indian bowlers under immense pressure.

Even after these partnerships were broken, South Africa refused to surrender. Corbin Bosch emerged as a late hero, nearing his half-century with a brilliant 66* off 45 balls, filled with powerful hits, including crucial fours and sixes that kept South Africa ‘very much alive’ and ‘within touching distance’ of a miraculous victory. The determination shown by the lower order, particularly Bosch, forced India to acknowledge that the game was ‘well and truly gone down to the wire’.

Kuldeep’s Game-Changing Spell and India’s Clinical Finish

Despite South Africa’s valiant efforts, India’s bowlers, especially the spinners, stepped up when it mattered most. Kuldeep Yadav was the chief wrecker, scalping four vital wickets for 68 runs. His spell was particularly devastating when he picked up two crucial wickets in the space of just three balls, dismissing the well-set Marco Jansen and Matthew Breetzke. Sunil Gavaskar’s commentary, describing Jansen’s wicket as ‘a big, big, big, big wicket’, perfectly captured the significance of that moment, as it ‘single-handedly derailed the South African run chase’. Kuldeep’s ability to provide breakthroughs under pressure reaffirmed his ‘incredible value as an X-factor’ for the Indian side.

Harshit Rana, who had initiated the early collapse, finished with an impressive 3/65, consistently troubling the batters with his pace and bounce. Arshdeep Singh picked up the crucial 9th wicket of Nandre Burger, sealing India’s dominance. The combined effort of the Indian attack, complemented by excellent fielding – notably Virat Kohli’s ‘terrific fielding’ that saved a certain boundary – ensured that despite the Proteas’ spirited fight, India maintained control.

Key moments also included Rohit Sharma being ‘dropped on 1’ by Tony de Zorzi, a lapse that could have been far more costly for South Africa. Kuldeep Yadav’s ‘DRS masterstroke’ to dismiss Tony de Zorzi, with Hawkeye showing ‘three reds’, underlined India’s sharp decision-making on the field. The pitch, relayed in 2023 with ‘Cuttack black / Orissa black’ soil, offered ‘more carry and bounce’, proving to be a ‘good batting surface’, but the ‘dew could play a big factor’, making the toss decision by Aiden Markram to bowl first understandable.

Implications for the Series and Beyond

This comprehensive victory in the first ODI provides India with a strong psychological advantage in the series. Beyond the immediate match, the performances, particularly from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, served as a ‘short audition’ for their roles in the 2027 World Cup, emphasizing the significance of this series in the broader white-ball cricketing landscape. For Rohit Sharma, his return to Ranchi, a stadium where he was first backed as a full-time opener in 2013, brought a ‘different kind of revival’, reaffirming his prowess. While South Africa showed tremendous character to fight back from an early collapse, their inability to cross the finish line against such a formidable target will be a point of reflection.

India’s blend of record-breaking individual performances, tactical acumen, and collective bowling effort set a high standard for the remainder of the series. The stage is now set for what promises to be an enthralling contest as both teams look to adjust and strategize for the upcoming encounters.

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