It was a deadly combo of youth and experience that lit up Raipur as South Africa felt the bull brunt of two massive blades. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli put South Africa to the sword as they romped up centuries in grand style. For Gaikwad, it was his maiden ODI 100 while for Kohli it was ODI century number 53.

Sunil Gavaskar linked three pillars of Kohli’s case: respect from peers, the sheer volume of runs, and the weight of 52 hundred in a format that is increasingly squeezed between T20s and Tests. Coming from a batter who defined an era himself, the endorsement carried more than just nostalgia.

Virat Kohli blazed away to his 52nd ODI century and 83rd overall in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi and laid the foundation of India's win. The series opener was also a welcome return to captaincy for KL Rahul,

At 84 centuries, Virat Kohli stands at the edge of cricket's last great mountain. His twin tons against South Africa have revived a dream once fading. But can belief, form and time align for one final miracle?

The dictionary definition of a machine is ‘a piece of equipment with moving parts that is designed to do a particular job. It usually needs electricity, gas, steam etc. in order to work.’

As per a Dainik Jagran report, the relationship between the coach and the two legends has gotten colder. This adds more fuel to the fire about Gambhir being responsible for ousting them from the Test side and not wanting them in the ODI side for the 2027 World Cup.

Aside from the dew, one issue has followed India throughout this ODI series against South Africa: the lack of runs from the lower order. KL Rahul has produced back-to-back half-centuries in the role.

South African cricketer Marco Jansen shares insights on the challenges of bowling to India's Virat Kohli, a world-class batter known for his ability to extend innings once settled. Jansen reflects on his experiences with Kohli and his personal batting progress in the series against India.