Kohli earns praise after ton as focus turns to future plans – ICC

India batter Virat Kohli received plenty of plaudits after he scored his 52nd ODI century in a Player of the Match performance against South Africa on Sunday.
Kohli was at his brilliant best as he blasted 135 from just 120 deliveries in Ranchi and in the process help India to a 17-run triumph and a 1-0 series lead in the three-game ODI series against the Proteas.
The veteran shared a 136-run stand with former skipper Rohit Sharma (57) and looked in great touch as he reached triple figures for the first time in 50-over cricket since his superb unbeaten century against Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy in February.
Virat Kohli smashes his 82nd international hundred | POTM Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025
The innings caught the eye of India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak who admitted it was an honour to watch the 37-year-old still at the top of his game.
“It was an outstanding knock, obviously. He batted really well, not just in the one-day format but all the formats he has done well,” Kotak said of Kohli.
“This was the 52nd ODI hundred he got, so he’s a thoroughly outstanding player, and he took responsibility, and the way he batted was very good.”
Virat Kohli's 83rd international century powered India to victory against South Africa 🔥#INDvSA 📝: https://t.co/tnte0Vp08D pic.twitter.com/7vNXUOOcml
The century also further raised the question as to whether Kohli and Rohit would continue to ply their trade at ODI level, with the hope of continuing on until the next edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.
India assistant coach Morne Morkel suggested prior to the first ODI with South Africa that the experienced duo could play on until the next World Cup, but Kotak believes it is way too early to tell.
Kotak said there was still plenty of international cricket to be played prior to the next 50-over World Cup and urged onlookers to enjoy the presence of Kohli still at the peak of his powers in his current rich vein of form.
“I don’t know why we need to look at all this. He’s really batting well. I don’t see any reason we need to talk about his future,” Kohli.
“It’s just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant, man. I wouldn’t really. The way he’s performing, the way he maintains his fitness, there is, there are no questions about anything.”
India hold their nerves to secure a solid victory against South Africa in the first ODI 💪#INDvSA 📝: https://t.co/tnte0Vp08D pic.twitter.com/hwQYCDYdeO
The focus now switches to Raipur on Wednesday as India look to wrap up the series with another strong performance ahead of the third and final game of the series in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
For Kohli the focus will remain the same as the right-hander maintains the same preparation he has used throughout his career and helped him remain as one of the best white-ball players in the game.
"I think at this stage with the experience that I have for me, it's about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited to play the games that I'm playing, and more or less everything else should take care of itself," Kohli said post-game.
"I've never been a big believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel mentally I can play the game, I work physically very hard every day of my life it's got nothing to do with cricket anymore, it's just the way I live.
"So as long as my fitness levels are up and my enjoyment and mental sharpness is there, then you can visualise the game and you see yourself running as hard, reacting fast on the ball, then you know it's fine. (I know) one of the days when the game opens up and you get a start, you'll be able to score some runs."
Kohli earns praise after ton as focus turns to future plans
Kohli earns praise after ton as focus turns to future plans
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