Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Power India to Big Win in Ranchi: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma once again reminded everyone why they’re the heart of Indian cricket. Playing their 392nd international match together, the duo put on a brilliant 136-run stand off just 109 balls, setting up a strong total of 349 in 50 overs against South Africa in Ranchi.
Their partnership proved match-winning, as India claimed the first ODI by 17 runs on Sunday, November 30, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-game series. Kohli was the star of the show with a superb 135, while Rohit chipped in with an aggressive 57.
A Dominating Partnership That Set the Tone
The pair came out firing, smashing 80 runs in the power play alone. By the time their stand ended at 161 in 21.2 overs, India had already put South Africa under serious pressure. Even though the visitors fought back later, the damage was already done.
Srikkanth Highlights Their Importance for India’s Future
After the game, former India selector Kris Srikkanth shared strong thoughts about the duo’s value, especially looking ahead to the ICC World Cup 2027. He made it clear that India’s future plans must include Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Srikkanth said in a video on his YouTube channel, “Kohli and Rohit are playing on another level. Without these two, the 2027 World Cup plans will not work out. You need Rohit at one end and Virat at another. There should be no questions asked.”
Read More
He also added, “See, in 2013, he said in an interview that since 2013, Rohit and he used to score heavily and take down oppositions. If you look at it, if Rohit and Kohli bat for 20 overs, the opposition is gone. Today, that’s what happened. They were literally batted out. Yes, South Africa fought back well. But their partnership finished them off.”
Why Kohli and Rohit Are “Irreplaceable” for 2027
Srikkanth praised the way both players have stayed fit and mentally sharp, even though they now play only ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is. In his view, their experience and consistency make them too valuable to ignore.
He concluded, “It’s not just the runs. They have worked very hard (on fitness). Virat and Rohit are playing only one format. It’s not easy to maintain your mindset like this when only playing one format. As far as I am concerned, they have sealed their spots for the 2027 World Cup. No. 1 and No. 3 slots are all sealed. We can’t win without them.”
Read More
What’s Next for India
Kohli and Rohit will be back in action in the second ODI on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur. The series will wrap up with the final match on December 6 in Visakhapatnam.
ALSO READ: Red Bull 2026 Lineup: Yuki Tsunoda Out And Isack Hadjar In
