Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma starred in the kohli rohit odi show on Saturday as India sealed a 2-1 win in the india south africa odi series with a nine-wicket thrashing of South Africa. Chasing 271, India reached the target in 39.5 overs at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 116 for his yashasvi jaiswal odi century. Kohli finished not out on 65, earning the virat kohli player of series award with 302 runs across the three matches.
The victory marks India’s first bilateral ODI series triumph over South Africa since 2018. It came after a split in the first two games: South Africa won the opener by four wickets in Guwahati, while India levelled the series with a six-wicket chase in Kolkata. Captain KL Rahul opted to bowl first in the decider, a decision validated by India’s bowlers who restricted South Africa to 270 in 47.5 overs. Quinton de Kock top-scored for the visitors with 106, but Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-41 and Prasidh Krishna’s 4-66 dismantled the middle order.
In South Asia, where cricket fuels national pride from Mumbai to Lahore, this kohli rohit odi resurgence signals a bright path for India’s white-ball setup. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, veterans like Kohli and Rohit mentor emerging stars such as Jaiswal. Their blend of experience and youth addresses fan concerns over post-retirement transitions, especially in India and Pakistan where bilateral rivalries shape fan loyalties. The series win eases pressure on selectors and boosts morale amid packed schedules.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Odi Century Sparks India’s Chase
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 23-year-old opener, anchored the innings with poise. He walked in at number three after Rohit Sharma’s departure and built a 155-run opening stand with the captain. Jaiswal faced 121 balls for his maiden ODI hundred, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. His knock silenced doubts about his limited-overs temperament, honed in Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma laid the foundation with 75 off 82 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. The 38-year-old, leaner and sharper after focusing solely on ODIs, notched his fourth fifty-plus score in five outings. He Credited pre-series nets for the kohli rohit odi synergy. “We kept it simple: rotate strike, attack loose balls,” Rohit said post-match, per BCCI updates.
Jaiswal praised the guidance from seniors. “Rohit bhai and Virat bhai shared tips on reading the pitch. Small targets kept me focused,” he told reporters. This yashasvi jaiswal odi century, his first in 12 ODIs, elevates him as India’s next big opener. Fans in Delhi and Dhaka hailed it as a sign of depth beyond the kohli rohit odi era.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled on a batsman-friendly track. Keshav Maharaj claimed 1-44, but Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman leaked runs in the middle overs. The Proteas’ total looked competitive at 270, boosted by de Kock’s fluent knock, but India’s batting firepower proved too much.
Virat Kohli Player Of Series Clinches Kohli Rohit Odi Glory
Virat Kohli entered at 155-1 and steered the chase with an unbeaten 65 off 51 balls. He smashed five fours and three sixes, reaching his 76th ODI fifty. At 37, Kohli’s form has silenced retirement whispers. His last four ODI innings read 74 not out, 135, 102, and this 65 not out – a run aggregate of 376 in five knocks.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Kohli as virat kohli player of series, his ninth such honour. “Just playing freely satisfies me most. I haven’t felt this level in two-three years,” Kohli said in the presentation ceremony. “Batting long and adapting helps the team. I know I can turn situations our way.”
This kohli rohit odi masterclass extends Kohli’s streak: four fifties in his last six ODIs. Rohit, partnering in the middle order, added stability. Their combined 140 runs post-powerplay accelerated the chase to 6.83 per over. South Africa coach Conrad Shukri acknowledged the gap. “Our young batters learn from watching Virat and Rohit. We’ll grow from this,” he noted.
India’s fielding shone too. Shubman Gill took two catches, while Rahul’s captaincy shone in rotations. The win lifts India to third in the ICC ODI rankings, behind Australia and South Africa. In the india south africa odi series context, it avenges the 2023 World Cup final heartbreak.
Bowling Breakdown Seals Decider
India’s attack set the tone. Prasidh Krishna struck early, removing Temba Bavuma for 12. Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm spinner, triggered a collapse from 180-2 to 230-8. His variations foxed Aiden Markram (45) and David Miller (28). “Kuldeep’s control was key on this surface,” Rahul said. South Africa’s innings featured resilience. De Kock’s 106 off 98 balls included 12 fours and three sixes. Heinrich Klaasen added 38, but regular wickets prevented a 300-plus total. Marco Jansen’s late 25 not out offered scant consolation.
Background: India South Africa Odi Series Rekindles Rivalry
The india south africa odi series, part of South Africa’s tour of India in 2025-26, tested both sides’ rebuilds. South Africa arrived without retired stalwarts like AB de Villiers’ influence lingering. India, sans Rohit and Kohli in T20Is, prioritised ODIs for World Cup prep. Game one in Guwahati saw South Africa chase 270 with balls to spare, thanks to Klaasen’s 64. India’s second outing in Kolkata flipped the script: Shreyas Iyer’s 97 led a six-wicket win. The decider highlighted kohli rohit odi experience over raw pace.
BCCI data shows India’s home ODI record now at 85 wins from 112 matches. This series aggregated 1,512 runs at 6.2 per over, underscoring batting dominance. In South Asia, the tour drew 2.5 million TV viewers per match, per official metrics. Pakistani fans, despite no direct stake, tuned in for the India angle, fuelling cross-border debates on social media.
What’s Next For Kohli Rohit Odi Core
India eyes a home T20I series against England next month, but ODIs remain priority. Selectors discuss Kohli and Rohit’s roles till 2027. “Their presence teaches balance,” Rahul added. South Africa heads to Zimbabwe for ODIs, aiming to implement lessons from the kohli rohit odi clinic. For Jaiswal, this yashasvi jaiswal odi century opens IPL doors wider. The kohli rohit odi partnership promises more chapters, guiding India through transitional waters.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 7th, 2025
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