Former India head coach Ravi Shastri didn’t hold back after Virat Kohli lit up Ranchi with a stunning hundred. With reports swirling about discussions on Kohli’s future, Shastri took what looked like a pointed jab at current head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Virat Kohli Silences Doubts With a Powerful Knock
Returning to ODI cricket on home soil, Virat Kohli looked confident from the start. He played freely, attacked the bowling, and built a brilliant 136-run stand with Rohit Sharma. Rohit contributed 57, but even after his dismissal, Kohli kept marching forward.
Virat Kohli went on to score his 52nd ODI century, finishing with a superb 135 off 120 balls, including 11 fours and 7 sixes. It was one of his most fluent knocks in recent times, especially with all the outside noise around him.
This innings also came at a time when conversations within the BCCI, Gambhir, and Agarkar reportedly included discussions about Kohli’s place and long-term plans.
Right after Kohli reached his hundred, Ravi Shastri made a fiery comment on commentary that felt loaded given the circumstances.
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“It’s number 52. Gets it with a boundary. Punches the air in delight. It has been a long wait. This is the format he plays now, and he would have silenced a lot of people. His third on the ground,” Shastri said during the broadcast.
He added: “It has been a brilliant innings, just the way he got there. Just the timing on that shot.”
“May He Continue to Bring a Smile” – Rajkumar Sharma
Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma also praised the knock while speaking to ANI. He highlighted Kohli’s global fan following and the inspiration he continues to provide.
“Virat Kohli is loved globally by his fans and he gave a fitness mantra to the Indian Cricket…I don’t think anyone has ensured team India’s victory as he did…May he continue to bring a smile to the faces of people of the nation.”
Virender Sehwag Applauds “King” Kohli
Cricket legend Virender Sehwag added his own signature flair while celebrating Kohli’s brilliance. Sharing his thoughts on X, he wrote:
“Virat Kohli ne phir dikhaya run banana unke liye utna hi aasaan hai jitna hamare liye chai banana. 52nd ODI century. Kohli is not chasing records, records are chasing Kohli. Aaj bhi bhook wahi, junoon wahi. King stays King ! (Virat Kohli once again showed that scoring runs is as easy for him as making tea is for us. The hunger is still the same, the passion is still the same).”
Check out his Tweet:
Virat Kohli ne phir dikhaya run banana unke liye utna hi aasaan hai jitna hamare liye chai banana. 52nd ODI century. Kohli is not chasing records, records are chasing Kohli. Aaj bhi bhook wahi, junoon wahi.
King stays King ! pic.twitter.com/HhhCAQgj7p— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 30, 2025
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Calls Virat Kohli The Undisputed GOAT Of ODI Cricket
