Online Reporter
VIRAT Kohli dispelled any doubts about his enduring quality with the 50-over Cricket World Cup on the horizon after a match-winning century for India against South Africa.
The 37-year-old struck 135 off 120 balls — his 52nd one-day international hundred — to guide the hosts to a 17-run win in the opening match of the three-game series in Ranchi on Sunday.
Kohli, who now plays only the 50-over format after retiring from tests and T20s, starred alongside fellow veteran Rohit Sharma, 38.
Their futures have been widely debated, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently noting that it was rare for players to remain dominant while featuring in just one format of the game.
But Kohli’s latest knock — his 83rd international century across formats – silenced any immediate doubts about his longevity. The batsman is targeting the ODI World Cup in 2027.
“I don’t see any reason to talk about his future,” batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said.
“It’s just the way he’s batting, it’s just brilliant… The way he’s performing, the way he maintains his fitness, there are no questions about anything.”
Kohli shared a 136-run stand for the second wicket with Rohit, who hit 57 for his 60th ODI half-century, as India piled up 349-8.
Kohli looked in especially imperious touch, hitting 11 fours and seven sixes in a fluent display. — AFP Sport.
